When discussing the intentionality behind her latest studio effort, In Times of Dragons, Tori Amos is characteristically blunt. She suggests that her artistry was perhaps less vital during the relative stability of the Obama era, but the subsequent decade of constitutional instability has demanded a different kind of response. For Amos, the current American political landscape is not merely a series of headlines, but a theater of the grotesque—a realm she populates with “Lizard Demons,” her mythological shorthand for the systemic power structures and the human stewards who maintain them.
“Congressmen, senators,” she notes, pointing to the institutions she believes are fueling an era of post-truth and sociopolitical annihilation. To build the psychological framework for this record, Amos constructed a world of high-concept allegory, weaving together a tapestry of healers, witches, Celtic gods, and multiversal love affairs. It is a dense, labyrinthine narrative that serves as a mirror to our own reality, where the lines between the personal and the political are permanently blurred.
The album’s narrative arc is ambitious. Amos portrays a version of herself who has chosen the luxury of a tech-billionaire lifestyle—a “gilded cage”—to better understand the power dynamics behind the throne. The record culminates in a metaphorical battle, with the protagonist transforming into a dragon to confront her “Lizard Demon” husband. It is a call to action for listeners, urging them to consider their own complicity and courage in an increasingly autocratic era.
Channeling Ancient Energies
Amos’ creative process for this project involved reaching out to Lugh of the Long Arm, an ancient Celtic deity from the fifth dimension. With the assistance of writer and “benevolent witch” Noah Michelson, Amos channeled messages from Lugh, who served as a spiritual protector during her own period of personal rebirth. She describes this transformation—this “turning into a dragon”—as a metaphor for deep, fundamental change, whether it be gender identity, the transition of menopause, or a shift in one’s relationship to power.
The influence of Arthurian legend also looms large. Amos consulted with Diana Summerland, an interpreter of the Divine, to communicate with Merlin. The wizard’s advice was stark: “Only the dragons can fight the Lizard Demons.” This pursuit of ancient, multi-dimensional energy is a hallmark of Amos’ career, echoing the way she famously titled her debut album Little Earthquakes after a premonition years before the record existed.
“When you’re making an allegory, this comes with high risks and high rewards. However, please do not forget about the emotional story and the pain and the betrayal of being human and the love. Never forget about the love, even if it’s love that’s forbidden. Don’t forget about the love, because that’s your power.”
A Legacy of Defiance
Throughout her career, Amos has consistently used her music to interrogate patriarchy, war, and greed. In Times of Dragons is no exception. By referencing her own past work—such as the 1991 single “Silent All These Years”—she bridges the gap between her history and the current political climate. She views the song’s continued relevance as a testament to the cyclical nature of the struggles she documents.
The album also marks a significant personal milestone. Amos admits that she could not have fully explored these themes of patriarchal dismantling until the passing of her father, Reverend Dr. Edison McKinley Amos, in 2025. “Until my father left this plane, this record was not coming,” she reflects. The album serves as a final, complex reckoning with the man who was both her first manager and a deeply entrenched figure of the patriarchy.
Ultimately, In Times of Dragons is a testament to the power of resilience. With the help of her longtime collaborators—drummer Matt Chamberlain, bassist Jon Evans, and her husband Mark Hawley—Amos has crafted a soundscape that feels both ancient and immediate. As she reminds us, while we may not be able to control the machinations of those in power, we retain the ability to protect our own “dragon fire” and the capacity to love in the face of systemic destruction.
In Times of Dragons is out May 1 on Universal/Fontana.
