Where are we going now? – King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard’s “PetroDragonic Apocalypse”.. album review

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard have released their 24th album “PetroDragonic Apocalypse; or, Dawn of Eternal Night: An Annihilation of Planet Earth and the Beginning of Merciless Damnation”. The Australian rock band that is known for experimental rock, loves to reinvent themselves each album. Experimenting with mixing genres such as blues, metal, jazz and psychedelic rock. So it’s no surprise that their new album is heading in a new direction for the band. This time around “PetroDragonic Apocalypse..” sits in the realm of trash metal, which they have explored before in 2019 with their 15th album “Infest The Rats” Nest. That album was nominated for an ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) award. King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard know what they doing with the realm of Metal. Even if It’s not they’re go to genre. 

“PetroDragonic Apocalypse; or, Dawn of Eternal Night: An Annihilation of Planet Earth and the Beginning of Merciless Damnation” is a seven track album where each song is almost over the 5 minute mark. However, you don’t tend to notice that as each track fells into each other. A classic King Gizz writing technique that works every time. The album opens with “Motor Spirit“, where the title of the track actually adds up to the journey of the track. Opening with a in your face melody that just gets heavy as time goes on. While the breakdown has an tribal feel. With the drums making us feel like we have just entered a jungle and a monster is about to come out of nowhere. I guess that’s what happens when you have two drummers in the band. You’re on the edge of your seat. 

This theme of apocalypse Godzilla journey is straight through the album. Well you may have guessed it from the cover of the album. With the Godzilla type lizard creature with a backdrop of industrial plant that is falling apart slowly. As we move through the album, the melody, riffs and breakdowns just seem to get bigger and bolder. While the lyrics are a step behind. Which is not a bad thing as the lyrics pop up in the track when the timing is right. Pushing the journey along and having sing-along moments. 

Highlights from the album include “Witchcraft” and “Flamethrower“. “Witchcraft” borders on psychedelic trash metal. The guitars holding the psychedelic melody, drums hard hitting and synths take over the same medley as the guitar. In their own right bass just goes crazy in their own world, proving it in the chaotic breakdown. 

The album ends with “Flamethrower” which is a thrashy, energetic, high-spirited track. Where In the middle of the track it drops off and the melody and the direction of the track completely turns kaleidoscopic. It’s trippy and your waiting to see where it takes you before it fades away.

“PetroDragonic Apocalypse; or, Dawn of Eternal Night: An Annihilation of Planet Earth and the Beginning of Merciless Damnation” is an experimental trash metal journey album. Where you don’t know where your going, but with genre blending experts you know it’s going to be a great 50 minutes of your life.