King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard: Embracing New Realms with Alien Metal

It’s been a lengthy hiatus of more than a year since King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard blessed listeners with new music. For a band known for their prolific output, this extended break feels like an eternity. However, the wait is nearly over as Australia’s psychedelic rock juggernauts gear up to release Alien Metal, their highly anticipated 28th studio album.

Exploring New Soundscapes

Following last year’s Phantom Island, which ventured into orchestral rock territory, Alien Metal promises to take fans on an entirely different sonic journey — this time diving headfirst into the vibrant world of electronic dance music. The essence of this new direction is evident in the lead single, “Level 5”. While the previous album dared to explore lush arrangements, this latest track is punchy and focused squarely on infectious beats.

The creative shift is largely attributed to Joey Walker, known as the band’s resident “techno head”. He introduced Stu Mackenzie to the Eurorack modular synthesizer, a move that Mackenzie describes as transformational. “It completely rewired my brain,” he shared, reflecting on how this new tool prompted him to abandon his preconceived notions of music and start fresh from the ground up.

A Departure toward Dance

“Level 5” serves as a testament to this evolution. It sounds remarkably distinct from their earlier works but retains a thread of Mackenzie’s signature musicality. The track exemplifies how King Gizzard is pivoting toward the energetic rhythms of dance music while maintaining the rich experimental ethos that fans adore.

The band’s recent foray into “rave shows” — a format they debuted last year — hints at the direction this new album is taking. It’s intriguing to note that the upcoming series of live performances includes a rave show finale at Forest Hills Stadium, followed by another rave event at Brooklyn’s Under The K Bridge Park. These shows promise to immerse audiences in the pulsating energy that Alien Metal aims to encapsulate.

An Ambitious Creation Process

Throughout the production of Alien Metal, the band faced an unusual challenge: an overwhelming amount of material. Mackenzie remarked, “We’ve never scrapped so much material as we have for this album.” This speaks to the ambition and exploratory spirit that drives King Gizzard’s artistry. The rigor invested in creating a solid body of work reflects their dedication to innovation and quality.

This meticulous approach has led to a cohesive tracklist, which features a range of titles that tease the album’s thematic substance. Tracks such as “Sapience,” “Kill For The Steel,” and “Atomic Collapse” evoke imagery and conceptions that might lead listeners on a narrative journey through the realms of alien-like soundscapes and pulsating rhythms.

Anticipation Through Live Performances

As part of the marketing for Alien Metal, Mackenzie has shared a unique 37-minute live set on YouTube, showcasing his modular synth skills in a spontaneous performance on Bourke Street Mall in Melbourne. This gesture not only highlights the band’s commitment to engaging with their audience in innovative ways but also gives a taste of what fans can expect from the live shows.

Tour Dates

Excitement is building as King Gizzard gears up for an exclusive North American tour, featuring a series of sold-out performances in Buena Vista, Colorado, at the Field Of Vision II Festival — an event expected to be a true celebration of music and community. Their upcoming dates include:

• 08/14 – Buena Vista, CO @ Field Of Vision II Festival (Sold Out)
• 08/15 – Buena Vista, CO @ Field Of Vision II Festival (Sold Out)
• 08/16 – Buena Vista, CO @ Field Of Vision II Festival (Sold Out)
• 08/20 – New York, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium (with Die Spitz, DJ Crenshaw)
• 08/21 – New York, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium (with Die Spitz, DJ Crenshaw)
• 08/22 – New York, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium (Rave Show)
• 08/23 – Brooklyn, NY @ Under The K Bridge Park (Rave Show with .VRIL)

Looking Ahead

Alien Metal is set to arrive later this summer on King Gizzard’s p(doom) label, adding another rich chapter to their already extensive discography. With the blend of electronic elements, live energy, and conceptual depth, fans can expect yet another immersive experience that showcases the band’s tireless creativity and innovative spirit. The countdown has begun, and the anticipation is palpable as we prepare for what could be another groundbreaking release from one of the most dynamic bands on the global stage.