Primer
Raelism in the Gorillaz universe
In Gorillaz lore, “Raelism” is best read as a satirical motif—a way to explore belief, spectacle, and power. The band rarely spells anything out; instead, themes emerge across albums, visuals, and character performance.
Disclaimer: This page discusses fictional themes in a music project. It does not claim official canon doctrine, and it does not advocate for real-world movements.Working definition (for this site)
“Raelism” = belief framed as spectacle: promises of salvation, charismatic intermediaries, and a crowd hungry for meaning.
That can look like “alien / cult” aesthetics in one era and “consumer worship” in another. The point is not the costume—it’s the structure: authority, submission, and the comfort of simple answers.
Where to look
Demon Days
Apocalypse tone, parable-like storytelling, fear + false salvation.
Plastic Beach
Belief becomes commodity: brands, surfaces, and seductive unreality.
Murdoc as would-be prophet
Character ego + performance of authority; cult-leader satire.