What makes Clone of the Universe by Fu Manchu notable?

This album received positive critical reception, highlighting its cohesive sound and thematic depth, particularly in tracks like 'Il Mostro Atomico,' which showcases an ambitious 18-minute composition. Additionally, Clone of the Universe marked a return to form for Fu Manchu, reaffirming their influence in the stoner rock scene and earning them a spot on various year-end lists. Clone of the Universe is Fu Manchu's twelfth studio album, released after a five-year hiatus following their 2014 record, Gigantoid. At this point in their career, they continued to solidify their status within the stoner rock genre while showcasing a mix of classic influences and fresh ideas. The album reflects a matured sound yet maintains the band's signature fuzz-laden guitar work and driving rhythms.

Who is Clone of the Universe for?

Clone of the Universe works well if you're into immersive stoner odyssey, wave-like pacing with crescendos and focused listening for full experience.

How many songs are on Clone of the Universe?

Clone of the Universe has 7 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Clone of the Universe

Fu Manchu · 2018

36 min · 7 tracks · stoner rock

A heavy, riff-driven journey through cosmic themes and stoner rock grooves, blending raw energy with contemplative lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Intelligent Worship — Opening with a punchy riff and energetic vocals, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of existential themes wrapped in catchy hooks.
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(I’ve Been) Hexed — This song encapsulates the album's blend of humor and heaviness, featuring a groove that makes it both memorable and infectious.
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Il Mostro Atomico — As the centerpiece of the album, this nearly 18-minute track exemplifies Fu Manchu's knack for extended instrumental passages while diving into cosmic narratives.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong riff-driven compositions with cohesive themes but lacks broader cultural reach.

What we noticed

The album features a prominent use of heavy guitar riffs that dominate the soundscape, particularly in tracks like 'Intelligent Worship' and 'Clone of the Universe.'
The track 'Il Mostro Atomico' is an 18-minute composition that shifts through multiple sections, blending intense instrumental passages with slower, more contemplative moments.
Each song typically follows a structure of extended verses leading into powerful choruses, maintaining a consistent stoner rock groove throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

immersive stoner odyssey
wave-like pacing with crescendos
focused listening for full experience
gradual build towards finale

Maybe skip if you

prefer immediate gratification
seek standalone radio hits

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases thematic depth and ambitious composition, marking a high point in their catalog.
Themes: cosmic narratives· heavy riff journeys
Career context: Clone of the Universe is Fu Manchu's twelfth studio album, released after a five-year hiatus following their 2014 record, Gigantoid. At this point in their career, they continued to solidify their status within the stoner rock genre while showcasing a mix of classic influences and fresh ideas. The album reflects a matured sound yet maintains the band's signature fuzz-laden guitar work and driving rhythms.
Stylistic neighbors: Kyuss· Monster Magnet· Sleep