Can someone help me understand the new Coldplay album?

Ok, gotta admit I feel a little old writing this, but what is up with the new Coldplay album? Do these songs actually mean something? Is there a theme I’m missing? Take “Viva La Vida” for example? Guy used to rule the world, now sweeps the streets…is that it? “Violet Hill”...“if you love me, won’t you let me know”...ok, I get that, but it doesn’t quite sound the same as garden-variety tortured love fare.

And what’s up with that album cover? It looks like Les Mis. And “death and all his friends”...what does that mean? Or does it all just mean…nothing?

Thanks to anyone who can help me feel less old. I have a birthday coming up and I feel like I need to understand Coldplay better to move on in life.