Storytelling Through a Musical Medium

Conceptual storytelling throughout the media has existed for decades, whether that be expressed through art, poetry, film adaptations, or music, each variant conveys a personal theme important to the artist. Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun of the alternative rock duo Twenty One Pilots are no exception to this form of media, as they are the producers of one of the most elaborate and extensive creative tales told through the means of a musical lens. With their explosive 2025 album, Breach, the band has quickly been overtaking streaming platforms using its final installment to an overarching storyline that occurred over a decade of music. Through the help of vivid imagery, poetic phrasing, and relatability, the duo composed five albums that portrayed and concluded a fictional narrative used to depict the unpredictability of mental health and the struggles that many face in regards to it. With a fantastical tale of strife, internal conflict, and physical metaphors, Twenty One Pilots builds the foundation of a sense of connection to fans worldwide. The conceptual album takes listeners through an emotional journey via storytelling and lyricism in their latest installment, Breach.

Within the confines of a brief summary, the storyline presented by Twenty One Pilots follows the main character, known as Clancy and played by Tyler Joseph – lead vocalist and writer – whose main conflict is to escape an oppressive, circular cement city, known as Dema. Made to represent depression, internal struggles with mental health, and cycles of toxic mindsets, the city is governed by a tyrannical council of Bishops that enforce an authoritarian religion known as Vialism. Tyler Joseph uses this allegorical practice to depict the negative effects of the glorification of suicide and depression. Outside of this despotic system exists a wild and lush continent known as Trench, inhabited by a rebellion known as the Banditos, made to represent the millions of fans that stand behind the duo. Their leader, known as the Torchbearer and played by drummer Josh Dun, is our second protagonist, used to represent hope, as well as a figurative and literal torch in dark times. He aids Clancy, and together, fight for freedom and the liberation of the citizens of Dema.

The story itself serves as a self-reflection of the lead singer’s real world internal conflict. Tyler Joseph, known mental health and suicide prevention advocate, uses vast analogies and symbolism to convey personal experiences dealing with poor mental health and overcoming depression. These experiences would later be an essential element to the composition of his music and narration within Breach. With songs like “The Contract” and “Intentions,” Joseph reflects on feelings of guilt, isolation, and the rumination for self-preservation and past mistakes. Presenting the mindscape as physical structures, Joseph is able to use the analogy of a corporeal landscape to portray the struggles of navigating said difficult emotional terrains. This idea is used to its fullest extent with the song and music video “City Walls.”

Concluding the storyline on a budget of one million dollars, the nearly ten minute long music video is filled with action-packed choreography that takes place in the physical manifestation of mental instability and toxic mindsets. Through the use of a dingy and grey environment with the metaphoric setting taking place in a cement tower, Joseph uses the analogy to portray isolation, struggle, and the necessity of community when dealing with psychological instability. Lyrics such as “I wonder where you are / I wanted you to show me / The way around those city walls / The way on through,” depict those very ideas while providing a visible struggle with the personification of depression simultaneously. The narrative use of music not only sheds light on personal struggles, but entertains fans and while creating an immersive cautionary tale through the art of lyricism and sound.

The importance of music in today’s society is ever present, a constant and uplifting element throughout the lives of many and often offering outlets to those who seek community and belonging. Through the medium of concept-driven fiction and deliberate lyricism, the rare combination of music and narration only further emphasizes the value of creative pieces such as Twenty One Pilots’ Breach. With the intent of transporting listeners to a world far beyond the normalcy and dreariness of day-to-day routines, conceptual albums not only provide an expert sense of entertainment and involvement with fans, but an emotional catharsis from the potential anguish and strife of everyday life, as well as advocating for the struggles many face with their mental health.