King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard – ‘Alien Metal’: A Dive into the Uncharted
By now, the sight of long-haired, long-sleeved blokes in corduroy caps and King Gizzard t-shirts has become a routine fixture of local, independent music scenes across the globe. With the newly-released Gizzard album Alien Metal, however, it seems we might soon see those same psyched-out musos reaching for lasers at raves.
The Gizzard Phenomenon
King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard, often simply referred to as King Gizzard, have earned a reputation as one of the most prolific groups of the 21st century. With Alien Metal being their 28th studio album since their formation in 2010, it’s astonishing to draw parallels to legends like The Rolling Stones, who have released just a few more records over a five-decade career. This unparalleled productivity is matched only by the band’s relentless creative exploration.
The eclectic nature of King Gizzard’s discography is truly a sight to behold. While their earlier albums focused on modern psychedelic rock—a genre that has been endlessly imitated—the band has ventured into an impressive variety of musical realms since then. This diverse approach is on full display in Alien Metal, where listeners may feel like they’re tuning into a checklist of musical genres.
A Dance Floor Takeover
Exploring Alien Metal reveals a significant shift in their sound, as the band dives headfirst into the world of dance music. Drawing on influences ranging from techno to breakbeat rhythms, this album represents a departure from their more traditional rock roots. Fans might be reminded of Jeff Goldblum’s iconic quote in Jurassic Park: “Your scientists [in this case, Aussie psych rockers] were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.”
It’s a brave endeavor, and you can’t help but admire the ambition behind such a venture. No other band, even those known for their genre-hopping tendencies, would embark on a sonic journey like this. The sheer creativity and technical skill of King Gizzard remain impressive, but the question remains—how successful is this foray into electronic dance music?
The Soundscape of Alien Metal
While Alien Metal showcases the band’s undeniable musicianship, it doesn’t fully transcend its genre. At its low points, the album seems to echo a generic dance station track, reminiscent of 90s club bangers blasting on a sunny afternoon in a rental car. However, it does offer moments of frenetic energy that help balance out those less captivating sections.
The standout track—“Kill for the Steel”—highlights the album’s potential. Here, King Gizzard marries their characteristic instrumental prowess with an infectious beat that invites listeners to hit the dance floor. But while individual tracks can shine, the overall experience falls short of the compelling moments you’d find in their earlier work.
Fans and Future Listening
As always with King Gizzard’s musical explorations, Alien Metal presents fascinating themes and ideas, especially for those who relish breaking the mold. Still, this album’s dance-centric approach may not resonate with long-time fans who have cherished the intricacies of their prior projects. Despite being a noteworthy attempt, it seems that this may be one genre too far for the band.
Ultimately, Alien Metal is an intriguing installment in the Gizzard discography but may struggle to find a lasting place among their most beloved works. As the band continues to push musical boundaries, listeners are left wondering where they will venture next on this unpredictable journey through sound.
Release Date: August 14th, 2026
Producer: Stu Mackenzie and Joey Walker
Label: p(doom) Records
