Alien Metal

Australia's most fearless and prolific band have done it again. Alien Metal, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's 28th studio album, sees the Melbourne six-piece go full rave, setting the controls for the dark heart of electronic dance music. Don't let the title fool you: this isn't a metal record. It's a frantic, far-flung techno adventure, written and recorded entirely on the massive modular synthesizer rig the band took on tour, affectionately nicknamed "Nathan." Every track grew out of a single hour-long improvisation, locked in at a pounding 143 beats per minute. The result is an ever-shifting journey through techno, hardcore, house and jungle, all filtered through King Gizzard's unmistakable psychedelic lens.

Best experienced as one continuous set, Alien Metal pulses, builds and explodes across eight tracks. It runs from the hypnotic opener "Sapience" through the singles "Alien Metal," "Kill For The Steel" and "Level 5," to the closing blast of "Atomic Collapse." Surprise-released with no warning, it's King Gizz at their most adventurous: loud, sweaty and built for both the dance floor and the headphones. It's a must-have for longtime Gizzheads and a perfect entry point for electronic music fans curious about one of the most exciting bands on the planet. Pressed on recycled vinyl, so you can rave with a clear conscience.