Photo credit: Maclay Heriot.
The genre-hopping Australian nut jobs King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard return in spectacular fashion with a full-on rave tune to blow us away in anticipation of their 28th album, Alien Metal. If this doesn’t get you dancing, nothing will move you. Read on…
About the Album
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard have announced the details of their 28th album, *Alien Metal*, set to be released later this summer on p(doom) records. Continuing their streak of innovative and genre-defying music, this Melbourne-based six-piece is poised to take the music scene by storm once again.
*Alien Metal* follows their 2023 album, *The Silver Cord*, moving into the realm of electronic dance music. The band has been embracing rave culture through their live shows, pushing the boundaries of their sound. The album was primarily written and recorded using a modular synthesizer setup fondly named “Nathan” by the band, marking a significant evolution in their sonic palette.
Tracklist Breakdown
Here’s what listeners can expect from *Alien Metal*:
- Sapience
- Alien Metal
- Superheavy, Supercritical
- Kill For The Steel
- Level 5
- Rapid Alpha Decay
- Uqt
- Atomic Collapse
Recently, the band shared *‘Level 5’*, the first track from the album, which showcases their latest direction encapsulated in a vibrant sound.
Celebrity Cameo
The track *‘Level 5’* is accompanied by a visually captivating music video featuring a special cameo by Vince Colosimo, one of Australia’s most recognizable actors famed for his roles in iconic films like *Chopper*, *Lantana*, and *The Wog Boy*, as well as the hit series *Underbelly*.
Live Shows & Tickets
Renowned for their electrifying live performance, King Gizzard is set to light up stages this August, including the now SOLD OUT Field Of Vision Festival. Additionally, they’ll be headlining three shows at New York’s Forest Hills Stadium, alongside an anticipated rave show in Brooklyn. Here are the tour dates:
- 14-16.08.26 – Field Of Vision II – Buena Vista, CO (SOLD OUT)
- 20.08.26 – Forest Hills Stadium – New York (with Die Spitz, DJ Crenshaw)
- 21.08.26 – Forest Hills Stadium – New York (with Die Spitz, DJ Crenshaw)
- 22.08.26 – Forest Hills Stadium – New York (rave show)
- 23.08.26 – Under The K Bridge Park – Brooklyn, NY (rave show with .VRIL)
Creative Evolution
Refusing to rest on their musical laurels, King Gizzard has ventured into various genres—ranging from progressive and thrash metal to synth-rock and symphonic rock. Their latest venture, *Alien Metal*, emerged from last year’s rave shows where traditional instruments were abandoned, allowing the band to gather around their expansive modular synthesizer setup. This shift created an opportunity for experimentation that soon evolved into a captivating sonic landscape.
Stu Mackenzie, reflecting on the creative process, shares, “It completely rewired my brain,” after diving into the Eurorack synthesizer format—encouraged by Joey Walker, the band’s techno enthusiast.
Creating the album was no easy feat. The band reportedly scrapped a wealth of material while searching for their musical identity. “We’ve never scrapped so much material as we have for this album,” Mackenzie notes, highlighting the myriad creative directions the band pursued before hitting the right note.
A pivotal breakthrough occurred during an improvised jam session that lasted over an hour, forming the basis of *Alien Metal*. This spontaneity led to every track evolving from the same spontaneous performance, ultimately resulting in a seamless sonic experience.
As an exploration of techno, hardcore, house, and jungle influences, the album embodies a fusion that feels both forward-thinking and distinctively King Gizzard. With pulsing rhythms, distorted textures, and unexpected twists, *Alien Metal* presents a sound that is raw yet beautiful. Joan Walker sums it up perfectly, stating, “It feels unique – it feels like us, still.”
Stay Connected
For fans eager to keep track of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, the avenues are plentiful. Stay updated through their official website, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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