King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Unveil Their Latest Album: Alien Metal
Credit: Maclay Heriot
On July 8, 2026, the prolific Melbourne-based band King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard officially announced their 28th album, Alien Metal. Known for their uncanny ability to traverse various genres, this latest release steers the band into the realm of electronic dance music, marking yet another exciting chapter in their prolific career.
The Creative Process Behind Alien Metal
Following the 2023 release of The Silver Cord, Alien Metal has a unique backstory. The band made extensive use of a modular synthesizer setup, affectionately named “Nathan,” that accompanied them during their rave shows last year. This piece of equipment played a critical role in shaping the album’s sound, enriching the sonic tapestry they are renowned for.
Stu Mackenzie, one of the band’s key figures, has gone on record stating that this album presented significant challenges in its creation. “We’ve never scrapped so much material as we have for this album,” said Mackenzie. The band faced an intense iterative process, creating entire albums and universes only to delete them before starting anew. However arduous this journey may have been, it promises a collection that is described as “crunchy yet beautiful.”
Joey Walker, another pivotal member, echoes this sentiment, saying, Alien Metal “goes really hard, but it also goes to really interesting places.” He emphasizes that despite the evolution in sound, the album maintains the quintessential spirit of King Gizzard—a blend of uniqueness and familiarity that fans have come to love.
A Sonic Exploration of Genres
One of the most intriguing aspects of Alien Metal is its intention to curate an “ever-shifting journey through techno, hardcore, house, and jungle influences.” This melding of genres, all filtered through the band’s psychedelic lens, sets the stage for an experience that both challenges and delights the listener. The album takes risks while remaining distinctly Gizzard in its ethos.
To kickstart the excitement, the band has already released their first single, Level 5, which features a vibrant music video with a surprising cameo from renowned Australian actor Vince Colosimo. This release showcases what fans can expect from the album, blending energetic beats with the lyrical depths that King Gizzard is famous for.
Upcoming Performances and Festivals
In addition to their album launch, the band has exciting plans on the horizon, including the much-anticipated return of their now sold-out Fields Of Vision Festival. This event promises to be an incredible celebration of music, bringing together fans in a unique immersive experience.
Moreover, the band will be headlining three shows at New York’s iconic Forest Hills Stadium, capped with an additional rave show in Brooklyn—a perfect setting to unveil their new electronic sound to an eager audience.
Tracklist for Alien Metal
The eight-track album showcases a variety of themes and sounds. Here’s a glimpse into the tracklist for Alien Metal:
- Sapience
- Alien Metal
- Superheavy, Supercritical
- Kill For The Steel
- Level 5
- Rapid Alpha Decay
- Uqt
- Atomic Collapse
This concise yet evocative lineup hints at a record that is rich in both complexity and creativity, promising an engaging listen from start to finish.
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard continue to push the envelope, and with Alien Metal, they invite fans to join them on yet another thrilling sonic adventure. As they blend electronic elements with their signature style, the excitement builds for what is sure to be an unforgettable release this summer. Keep an eye on King Gizzard; they are not slowing down anytime soon.
