What makes Murder of the Universe by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard notable?

'Murder of the Universe' received critical acclaim for its daring narrative structure and genre-blending sound, earning spots on numerous year-end lists and helping to solidify King Gizzard's reputation as innovators in the contemporary rock scene. The album also explored themes of technology and humanity, resonating with audiences during a time of increasing digital anxiety. By the time 'Murder of the Universe' was released in 2017, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard had already established themselves as a prolific force in modern psychedelic rock, with their previous album 'Flying Microtonal Banana' setting the stage for this ambitious follow-up. This album marked their eighth release within just five years, showcasing their relentless creativity and willingness to explore complex themes through music.

Who is Murder of the Universe for?

Murder of the Universe works well if you're into wave-like pacing with surprises, narrative progression through chaos and immersive storytelling in sequence.

How many songs are on Murder of the Universe?

Murder of the Universe has 21 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Murder of the Universe

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard · 2017

46 min · 21 tracks · psychedelic rock

An odyssey of chaotic narratives wrapped in fuzz-laden riffs and surreal storytelling that defies conventional song structures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Tale of the Altered Beast: Altered Beast II — This track stands out with its relentless drive and hypnotic repetition, mirroring the theme of transformation woven throughout the album's narrative arc.
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The Lord of Lightning Vs Balrog: The Lord of Lightning — With its explosive energy and vivid imagery, this track encapsulates the battle between elemental forces, serving as a highlight of both storytelling and musical intensity.
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Han‐Tyumi and the Murder of the Universe: Han‐Tyumi, the Confused Cyborg — This track blends existential musings with a driving beat, representing a key moment where personal identity meets technological evolution in the broader narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

69 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album's unique narrative structure and seamless transitions create a distinctive psychedelic experience.

What we noticed

The album is divided into three distinct narrative sections, each with its own thematic focus and musical style.
Fuzz-laden guitar riffs dominate the sound, frequently accompanied by surreal spoken word segments that enhance the storytelling aspect.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

wave-like pacing with surprises
narrative progression through chaos
immersive storytelling in sequence
short bursts of surrealism

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward, linear albums
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Deliberate departure from established sound with chaotic narratives and genre-blending.
Themes: cybernetic identity crisis· elemental battles· transformative chaos
Career context: By the time 'Murder of the Universe' was released in 2017, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard had already established themselves as a prolific force in modern psychedelic rock, with their previous album 'Flying Microtonal Banana' setting the stage for this ambitious follow-up. This album marked their eighth release within just five years, showcasing their relentless creativity and willingness to explore complex themes through music.
Stylistic neighbors: Ty Segall· Pond· Tame Impala

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Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 The Tale of the Altered Beast: A New World 0:57
2 The Tale of the Altered Beast: Altered Beast I 2:23
3 The Tale of the Altered Beast: Alter Me I 0:45
4 The Tale of the Altered Beast: Altered Beast II 4:28
5 The Tale of the Altered Beast: Alter Me II 1:25
6 The Tale of the Altered Beast: Altered Beast III 2:14
7 The Tale of the Altered Beast: Alter Me III 1:26
8 The Tale of the Altered Beast: Altered Beast IV 5:10
9 The Tale of the Altered Beast: Life/Death 0:59
10 The Lord of Lightning Vs Balrog: Some Context 0:16
11 The Lord of Lightning Vs Balrog: The Reticent Raconteur 1:05
12 The Lord of Lightning Vs Balrog: The Lord of Lightning 5:07
13 The Lord of Lightning Vs Balrog: The Balrog 4:29
14 The Lord of Lightning Vs Balrog: The Floating Fire 1:54
15 The Lord of Lightning Vs Balrog: The Acrid Corpse 1:00
16 Han‐Tyumi and the Murder of the Universe: Welcome to an Altered Future 0:55
17 Han‐Tyumi and the Murder of the Universe: Digital Black 2:46
18 Han‐Tyumi and the Murder of the Universe: Han‐Tyumi, the Confused Cyborg 2:21
19 Han‐Tyumi and the Murder of the Universe: Soy‐Protein Munt Machine 0:30
20 Han‐Tyumi and the Murder of the Universe: Vomit Coffin 2:19
21 Han‐Tyumi and the Murder of the Universe: Murder of the Universe 4:09

What to play next

Listen next

Flying Microtonal Banana

2017

Explores microtonal sounds and continues the adventurous spirit of storytelling.

Go back to

Nonagon Infinity

2016

Sets a high-energy, experimental tone that leads into the chaos of Murder of the Universe.

Full King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard discography Where to start with King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Artists like King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard

garage rock psychedelic rock stoner rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata