Eric Church's eighth studio album, Evangeline Vs. The Machine, was recorded live at The Pinnacle in Nashville, capturing the raw energy and spontaneity of his live performances.

Commercial success

• The album peaked at No. 30 on the Billboard 200 chart.

• It also landed at No. 5 on the Top COuntry Albums Chart.

Cultural impact

• Eric Church released the song "Darkest Hour" early to provide immediate relief following Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

• The album blends country, bluegrass, folk, gospel, R&B, and soul influences, reflecting Church's ongoing role in expanding the boundaries of contemporary country music.

• The album is accompanied by an IMAX concert film, Eric Church: Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive, filmed over two sold-out nights at The Pinnacle in Nashville.

Critical response

• Rolling Stone described the album as "dazzling and challenging, and creates a listening experience that upends the idea of what country music is... It is also a masterwork." Read full review

• Country Central noted that "Ultimately, '_Evangeline vs. The Machine_' is more than another Eric Church album; it’s a statement. Laid out over eight beautifully arranged tracks, the album pushes Eric into a new creative space. This record is alive, honest, and unafraid to sit in the tension between darkness and light." Read full review