King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Set to Release Alien Metal

In an eagerly anticipated announcement, the prolific psychedelic rock band King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard is gearing up to release their 28th studio album, Alien Metal, later this summer under p(doom) records. Since their debut in 2012, the band has remained a creative force, continually pushing the boundaries of music with each new project. The exact release date for Alien Metal has yet to be revealed, but early buzz indicates it’s a significant evolution in their discography.

A New Direction: Inspired by Rave Shows

Alien Metal is an outgrowth of King Gizzard’s recent “rave shows,” which have showcased a more electronic and dance-driven sound. This follows their 2023 album, The Silver Cord, that delved deep into electronic dance music, setting a new direction for the band. This shift into the realm of dance music is a departure from their earlier work, which often leaned towards a more rock-centric sound.

Creating with “Nathan”: The Modular Synthesizer

The recording of Alien Metal was conducted using a modular synthesizer setup affectionately named “Nathan.” The band took this setup on the road last year as they explored new sonic landscapes. In a statement, King Gizzard’s Stu Mackenzie described the process of working with the Eurorack synthesizer format as transformative: “I was like, ‘I’m going to forget everything I know about music and relearn it all from scratch.’” This willingness to embrace new technology is emblematic of King Gizzard’s experimental spirit.

The Journey to Alien Metal: Scrapped Ideas and Rebirths

The band’s creative journey toward Alien Metal was not linear; it involved extensive exploration and experimentation. Over several years, King Gizzard produced a wealth of material that was ultimately scrapped. Mackenzie revealed, “We’ve never scrapped so much material as we have for this album—entire albums, entire universes that were formulated, created, recorded, deleted, and started again.” This cycle of creative destruction is indicative of their commitment to finding the album’s true identity.

The breakthrough moment for the band came during a late-night improvisation that lasted over an hour. This spontaneous session became the foundation for Alien Metal, with every track deriving from that single, transformative performance.

The Sound of Alien Metal

The album is described as a seamless, ever-shifting journey through multiple genres—including techno, hardcore, house, and jungle—filtered through King Gizzard’s distinct psychedelic lens. The combination of “pulsing rhythms, distorted textures, and unexpected twists” creates a soundscape that feels both futuristic and uniquely theirs. Mackenzie emphasizes the album’s duality: “It sounds so crunchy, but also beautiful,” while Walker adds, “Alien Metal goes really hard, but it also goes to really interesting places.”

Tour and Promotion: Rave Shows and New Singles

In support of Alien Metal, the band will host a series of rave shows this summer, including a newly announced performance at Brooklyn’s Under The K Bridge Park on August 23. This live setting will allow fans to experience the album’s invigorating sound in an engaging environment. The lead single, “Level 5,” was released alongside a music video directed by Hayden Somerville, providing a taste of what’s to come.

Track Listing and Tour Dates

The anticipation continues to build as fans await the track listing for Alien Metal, which includes songs like “Sapience,” “Superheavy, Supercritical,” “Kill For The Steel,” and “Atomic Collapse.” As the release date approaches, King Gizzard’s tour dates are also being announced:

• 08/14-16/26 – Buena Vista, CO, Field Of Vision II Festival
• 08/20/26 – New York, NY, Forest Hills Stadium (with Die Spitz, DJ Crenshaw)
• 08/21/26 – New York, NY, Forest Hills Stadium (with Die Spitz, DJ Crenshaw)
• 08/22/26 – New York, NY, Forest Hills Stadium (Rave Show)
• 08/23/26 – Brooklyn, NY, Under The K Bridge Park (Rave Show with .VRIL)

Alien Metal promises to be yet another landmark in King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s storied career, showcasing their relentless innovation and ability to adapt to the ever-evolving musical landscape. As fans gear up for the release and subsequent tour, it’s clear that the band remains at the forefront of contemporary music, always ready to redefine their sound and experience.