King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s Upcoming Release: A Dive into Alien Metal
On a sunny Wednesday, July 8, Australian psychedelic rock band King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard excited fans globally with the announcement of their forthcoming album, Alien Metal. This marks their 28th studio LP, a testament to the band’s formidable work ethic and creative prowess. The album, which is being released on their own label, p(doom) Records, promises to submerge listeners in the depths of hard electronic music.
Musical Direction and First Taste: “Level 5”
Leading up to the album’s summer release, the band has unveiled its first single, “Level 5.” This track captures the essence of Alien Metal, showcasing a unique blend of spacey, acid-infused sounds that evoke jungles and far-off galaxies. The accompanying music video, directed by Hayden Somerville and featuring Australian actor Vince Colosimo, further intensifies the song’s otherworldly vibe. You can find a link to the captivating video below to get a real taste of what’s in store.
Watch the “Level 5” video here.
A Journey into Rave Culture
King Gizzard has also announced a performance that embodies the album’s spirit—a “rave show” under the K Bridge in Brooklyn, scheduled for August 23. This event follows their three-night stint at Forest Hills Stadium in New York City, set for August 20-22. Fans will be treated to a unique blend of rave and rock as the band alternates between genres, solidifying their reputation as genre-bending artists.
The band is also gearing up for the second edition of their Field of Vision festival, taking place in Buena Vista, Colorado, from August 14-16. This festival is already sold out, indicative of the tangible excitement and demand for their performances.
The Creative Process Behind Alien Metal
Creating Alien Metal has been a labor of love for King Gizzard. The band has reportedly spent years fine-tuning the project, discarding numerous iterations and materials. “We’ve never scrapped so much material as we have for this album,” guitarist Stu Mackenzie shared in a press release. The breakthrough moment came during a late-night jam session that lasted over an hour, allowing the album’s tracks to evolve organically from this shared creative space.
The band’s commitment to crafting a cohesive and innovative project underscores their dedication to providing audiences with something distinct. Joey Walker, another key figure in the band, describes Alien Metal as a work that “goes really hard, but it also goes to really interesting places.” This duality points to a rich mixture of creativity and intensity that fans can look forward to.
Exploring New Soundscapes
While their previous 2023 album, The Silver Cord, saw an exploration of electronic subgenres, including ambient and acid house, Alien Metal delves into darker territories. The new album offers a plunge into techno, hardcore, rave house, and jungle music, promising a more intense auditory experience.
As Walker noted, despite venturing into the harder edges of electronic music, the album remains unquestionably “unique,” staying true to the band’s identity that fans have come to love.
Track List Reveal
The hype for Alien Metal is further fueled by an unveiled track list that includes:
- “Sapience”
- “Alien Metal”
- “Superheavy, Supercritical”
- “Kill For The Steel”
- “Level 5”
- “Rapid Alpha Decay”
- “Uqt”
- “Atomic Collapse”
This list hints at a wide array of sound that is sure to cater to diverse musical tastes and preferences, enhancing the album’s already anticipated reception.
Album Artwork
The visual aspect of Alien Metal is just as striking as its sound. The album cover art gives off a futuristic vibe, capturing the essence of the music within. With this artwork, the band continues to explore new aesthetics that resonate with their evolving sound.
Excitement in the Air
As the release date approaches, excitement is palpable among fans, critics, and the music community at large. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard are preparing to deliver another unique experience through Alien Metal, maintaining their reputation as innovators in the industry. With a blend of heavy electronic sounds and the spirit of rave culture, this album is gearing up to be a memorable chapter in their already illustrious discography.
