King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard: Exploring New Frontiers with 'Alien Metal
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, the prolific Australian band, has released nearly 30 albums since its debut in 2012. Their latest album, "Alien Metal," marks a departure from their usual style as they explore a new sound using a hulking Eurorack synthesizer. The band took their time with this album, experimenting with high-BPM tracks and electronic sounds, pushing themselves beyond their comfort zone.
The band's frontman, Stu Mackenzie, shared that creating "Alien Metal" required more development and patience than expected. They scrapped more material than ever before, striving to create something unique and true to their DNA. Despite the challenges, the band maintained their DIY ethos, modding the Eurorack themselves and recording in their Melbourne warehouse studio.
"Alien Metal" showcases King Gizzard's venture into dance music, a departure from their traditional rock sound. The band's experimentation with electronic music in recent years influenced the album's direction, leading them to explore new creative possibilities with the Eurorack synthesizer. The album's title served as a guiding force throughout the creative process, shaping its personality and rhythm.
The band's exploration of electronic music has given them a newfound appreciation for organic instruments like guitars. The limitations of the Eurorack synthesizer challenged them to think about sound at a more fundamental level, leading to a deeper understanding of music and creativity. Despite the shift towards electronic music, King Gizzard continues to perform rock shows, blending their new sound with their guitar-based music.
King Gizzard's world-building in "Alien Metal" introduces themes of an "astral blacksmith" and a "mortician," adding depth to the album's lore. The band encourages listeners to experience the album at face value or delve into its intricate details, emphasizing that the lyrics are not the sole focus of the music.
As King Gizzard settles into a less frequent release schedule, they have two albums in progress, hinting at future projects on the horizon. The band's touring schedule has been limited this year, with special events like the Field of Vision festival in Denver and upcoming shows in New York City. Despite the quieter year, King Gizzard looks forward to returning to a more active touring schedule in the future, balancing music-making with life's other demands.