What makes Ice, Death, Planets, Lungs, Mushrooms and Lava by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard notable?

This album marked a notable addition to King Gizzard's discography by integrating themes of environmental change and cosmic exploration, resonating with contemporary global concerns. It received critical acclaim upon release, praised for its inventive structure and sound experimentation, further solidifying the band's reputation for pushing musical boundaries. By the release of Ice, Death, Planets, Lungs, Mushrooms and Lava in 2022, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard had solidified their status as prolific innovators in the garage and psychedelic rock scenes. This album followed their ambitious exploration of multiple genres over the previous years, including three albums released in 2017 and a significant shift towards heavier sounds in 2021's Butterfly 3000.

Who is Ice, Death, Planets, Lungs, Mushrooms and Lava for?

Ice, Death, Planets, Lungs, Mushrooms and Lava works well if you're into sprawling journeys of sound, gradual builds towards climax and experimentation with cosmic themes.

How many songs are on Ice, Death, Planets, Lungs, Mushrooms and Lava?

Ice, Death, Planets, Lungs, Mushrooms and Lava has 7 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

Ice, Death, Planets, Lungs, Mushrooms and Lava

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard · 2022

63 min · 7 tracks · psychedelic rock

A cosmic journey through expansive soundscapes, merging heavy riffs with intricate layers of psychedelic textures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mycelium — The opening track establishes the album's thematic focus on interconnectedness through organic imagery and a slow build that reflects growth and decay. Its layered instrumentation sets the stage for the immersive experience that follows.
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Magma — This track showcases the band’s mastery of dynamics, shifting from quiet introspection to explosive energy, symbolizing geological upheaval while intertwining themes of transformation. Its driving rhythm encapsulates the tension present throughout the album.
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Iron Lung — With its relentless pace and urgent lyrics addressing modern anxieties about life and survival, this track stands out as a poignant reflection of contemporary existential dread. The raw intensity serves as both a critique and a cathartic release.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate layering and dynamic contrasts create a rich listening experience that rewards repeat plays.

What we noticed

The album opens with a track that features a slow build of layered guitars and synths, creating an expansive atmosphere before introducing vocals.
Each track transitions smoothly into the next, often using ambient soundscapes to bridge sections, maintaining a cohesive flow throughout.

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

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. 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

sprawling journeys of sound
gradual builds towards climax
experimentation with cosmic themes
immersive headphone exploration
heavy riffs for late nights

Maybe skip if you

prefer short, standalone tracks
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Integrates new themes and sounds, showcasing a departure from earlier styles.
Themes: cosmic interconnectedness· geological upheaval· modern existential dread
Career context: By the release of Ice, Death, Planets, Lungs, Mushrooms and Lava in 2022, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard had solidified their status as prolific innovators in the garage and psychedelic rock scenes. This album followed their ambitious exploration of multiple genres over the previous years, including three albums released in 2017 and a significant shift towards heavier sounds in 2021's Butterfly 3000.
Stylistic neighbors: Ty Segall· Pond· Tame Impala

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Hell’s Itch

The narrative shifts perspective to confront mortality directly while describing vivid, unsettling imagery of physical discomfort and existential fear.

This choice creates an intimate connection with listeners as it forces them to engage with their mortality, contrasting with the abstract themes prevalent in other tracks.