In an exciting new chapter for fans of eclectic music, Australian psych-rock band King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard has announced the forthcoming release of their EDM-leaning album, ‘Alien Metal’. Scheduled to drop “later in the summer,” this new project promises to showcase the band’s adventurous spirit as they continue to experiment with and push the boundaries of their sound.
Leading up to the album’s release, the band has already unveiled the first single, ‘Level 5’. This track dives deeper into the electronic experimentation that was first hinted at in their earlier records, captivating listeners with its innovative approach to sound. Fans can listen to the single now, and it sets a promising tone for what’s to come on the full LP, which will be released via their own p(doom) label.
One of the most intriguing aspects of ‘Alien Metal’ is its production process, which took place during extensive live sessions that featured all six members of the band simultaneously manipulating a massive Eurorack modular synthesizer affectionately nicknamed “Nathan.” This hands-on setup was also utilized for a previous concert in 2025 at Factory International in Manchester, UK. Frontman Stu Mackenzie reflected on the experience, commenting that working with the modular gear has “completely rewired” his understanding of music.
Mackenzie elaborated on the complexity of working with electronic modules, describing them as being fundamentally different from traditional music-making tools. “They’re not the equivalent of a guitar string, they’re not even a guitar pick,” he shared. He likened the modules to the various components that can control sound, emphasizing the process of breaking music down into distinct parts. This radical approach allowed him to reinvent his musical perspective from the ground up.
The genesis of this endeavor stems from fellow band member Joe Walker, who initially introduced Mackenzie to the idea of integrating modular gear into their music. Walker, whose background is rooted in electronic music, explained that this project fulfills a long-held aspiration of his. “I stopped to be in Gizzard, but I still made electronic music,” he noted, admitting to feeling constrained by his technical knowledge. The pandemic offered him a chance to delve deeper into his passion and, subsequently, transform their sound.
Walker further highlighted Mackenzie’s rapid progress with the modular system, noting that he transitioned from not knowing basic concepts to mastering complex techniques. He commented on the challenges of understanding the structure of electronic music, such as the functionality of drops and the concept of tension and release within a track. “A lot of people think it’s about everything getting as loud as possible, but it’s actually about pulling elements away to emphasize impact,” Walker explained, showcasing the intricacy behind the electronic genre.
This summer, King Gizzard will take their new sound on the road, with four highly anticipated shows scheduled in New York City. They will perform three consecutive nights at Forest Hills Stadium on August 20, 21, and 22, with the latter concert branded as a “rave show.” For this event, they will be joined by renowned techno-electro DJ Moktar, promising an electrifying blend of live music and high-energy performance.
Additionally, the band will cap off their NYC run on August 23 with a performance at Brooklyn’s Under the K Bridge Park, featuring a DJ set from the acclaimed artist Vril. This venue has gained a reputation for showcasing electronic music talents, having previously hosted esteemed artists such as Four Tet, Tiësto, and Chris Lake.
Fans eager to witness the evolution of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s sound can find tickets for these upcoming shows on their official website. With ‘Alien Metal’ set to release this summer, there’s plenty to be excited about as the band embarks on this new sonic journey, blurring genre lines and exploring the realms of electronic music.
As they blend their distinctive psych-rock roots with a fresh electronic edge, King Gizzard is poised to keep the music community buzzing. Stay tuned for the full LP’s debut and the thrilling rave shows in NYC!
