Amplified Vault: A Monthly Deep Dive into Iconic Albums & Artists
Amplified Vault unpacks legendary discographies, decoding what made or makes them matter—and how they resonate. For this installment, we dive into the chaotic, genre-mutating world of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard—a band whose relentless creativity and fearless experimentation have built a universe all their own.
Amplified Vault: ChronoGizz: A Sonic Mutation (An Album Ranking Revelation)
Jammers. Innovators. Universe-Builders.
Few bands have rewritten their own rules as fearlessly as King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. Since forming in Melbourne in 2010, the seven-piece has hurled themselves across genres—psych rock, thrash metal, jazz fusion, synth-pop, and beyond—without losing the restless spirit that defines them. Their discography isn’t just prolific; it’s a sprawling ecosystem where every album mutates into something new. With 27 studio albums and counting, the Gizzverse offers no straight path, only detours, loops, and surprises.
For this Amplified Vault, we embraced the chaos, ranking every King Gizzard studio record—from their raw beginnings to the genre-bending mastery of their latest, Phantom Island.
Bonus Entry: Live at Red Rocks ’22 (2024)
Live at Red Rocks ’22 is an epic eight‑plus‑hour chronicle of three marathon shows recorded at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in October–November 2022. Spanning 86 tracks from across their entire career, it captures King Gizzard in full improvisational flight—and has become a crowning statement of their live identity. The release embodies the energy, eclecticism, and sonic mutation the band thrives on, offering fans a deep dive into their concert universe.
Key Track: “Gaia (Live)” – a thunderous and relentless performance that channels the raw power of their live sound.
King Gizzard’s Official Bootlegger series has transformed fan-driven distribution into a defining part of their ethos. Launched in 2017 after Polygondwanaland, the series invites independent labels and fans alike to press and sell live albums, demos, and rare recordings—with the only ask being fair attribution and trade. With nearly 60 titles to date—including live shows from across the globe and multi-volume demo collections—the series exists as a decentralized archive of their evolution. From vinyl box sets to Bandcamp-only digital releases, it champions the band’s DIY spirit and showcases how deeply their community-driven approach is woven into everything they do.
27. Eyes Like the Sky (2013)
Narrated by Broderick Smith, Eyes Like the Sky plays out as a western audio drama set against sparse desert soundscapes. The story of violence and frontier survival unfolds more like a narrated novel than a rock record, with music taking a backseat to storytelling. Its cinematic quality is unique, but the lack of traditional songs makes it an outlier. Still, it’s a fascinating experiment that shows the band’s willingness to take risks early in their career. “Eyes Like the Sky” captures the record’s eerie, cinematic mood.
Key Track: “Eyes Like the Sky” – haunting and narrative-driven, defining the album’s singular identity.
A western audio drama told through narration and sparse, cinematic soundscapes.
26. Made in Timeland (2022)
Made in Timeland is perhaps the strangest release in their catalog—a two-track ambient experiment originally designed as intermission music for live shows. Its minimalist loops, clock-like beats, and shifting textures create a hypnotic atmosphere, but it’s more of a curiosity than a full-fledged album. Still, it’s fascinating as part of the band’s lore and their obsession with time cycles. For completists, it’s an intriguing listen, even if it’s far from essential.
Key Track: “Timeland” – hypnotic and minimal, encapsulating the album’s conceptual oddity.
Minimal looping beats form an ambient concept designed for live intermissions.
25. 12 Bar Bruise (2012)
Their debut 12 Bar Bruise is pure garage-psych chaos—lo-fi, scrappy, and brimming with energy. Recorded on cheap equipment (including a mic inside a beer can), it captures the raw spirit of a young band unafraid to make noise. The songs are rough around the edges, but that’s part of their charm. “Elbow” blasts through with fuzzed-out riffs, setting the tone for their early sound. While it pales in comparison to the innovation of later records, this debut is an essential time capsule, showing where the madness began.
Key Track: “Elbow” – scrappy and explosive, embodying the album’s garage-rock roots.
Raw garage-psych energy defines this scrappy debut and sets the stage for evolution.
24. The Silver Cord (2023)
The Silver Cord dives deep into electronic landscapes, stripping away guitars almost entirely in favor of synth layers and cosmic ambience. The record feels like a follow up companion to Butterfly 3000 (2021) but is darker, more immersive, and far more expansive in its extended version. Songs stretch into hypnotic territory, rewarding listeners who surrender to its futuristic flow. While divisive for its lack of traditional rock elements, it’s an ambitious experiment that pushes their boundaries. “Theia” anchors the record with pulsating textures and evolving layers, offering the album’s most captivating moment. Two versions of The Silver Cord make for an interesting discussion with with extended or shortened versions of the same tracks: one lasting 28 minutes, the other 88 minutes.
Key Track: “Theia” – futuristic and expansive, a perfect encapsulation of its electronic scope.
A futuristic electronic experiment that trades guitars for immersive synthscapes.
23. Oddments (2014)
True to its name, Oddments is a patchwork of stray ideas stitched together into a charmingly uneven record. While it lacks the cohesion of their best albums, it offers glimpses of the band’s quirky personality and songwriting evolution. Tracks swing between playful psych-pop and woozy, off-kilter moments, making it a fascinating listen even if it’s not essential. “Work This Time” stands out as the record’s shining moment, a laid-back groove that has since become a cult favorite. This collection of odds and ends feels like an early experiment in stylistic variety.
Key Track: “Work This Time” – woozy, soulful, and easily the standout among the oddities.
A collection of stray songs that reveals quirky charm amid uneven moments.
22. Butterfly 3000 (2021)
With Butterfly 3000, King Gizzard swapped guitars for synths, crafting an album of looping, dreamy electronic pop. Built almost entirely on arpeggiated synth lines, the record feels like a warm embrace, radiating optimism in contrast to their darker works. Its repetitive structures create a meditative quality, though some listeners find it too uniform. The album thrives when its melodies soar, as on “Yours”, where bright textures and uplifting vocals capture the band’s experimental sweetness. While not their most daring release, it reveals yet another face of the ever-changing Gizzard sound.
Key Track: “Yours” – warm and shimmering, a highlight of their softer synth-driven approach.
Dreamy synth-pop loops create a warm, meditative mood throughout the record.
21. Fishing for Fishies (2019)
Fishing for Fishies takes an eco-conscious concept and filters it through quirky blues-boogie rhythms. The band’s environmental message is wrapped in playful instrumentation, giving the album a lighthearted surface with a serious undertone. Tracks like “Boogieman Sam” embody its fun, funky side, while the title track adds a singalong charm. Though some might find it too lightweight, the record’s eccentric personality makes it a unique entry. It captures King Gizzard’s ability to blend humor, message, and musicianship into something both offbeat and memorable.
Key Track: “Boogieman Sam” – quirky and fun, perfectly capturing the album’s bluesy character.
Eco-blues boogie pairs lighthearted fun with an underlying environmental message.
20. Changes (2022)
Years in development, Changes reimagines old ideas into a smoother, groove-based experience. The album’s core concept—evolving chord progressions—gives each track a feeling of movement and transformation. Funk and R&B influences shape its sound, creating a laid-back but rhythmically engaging atmosphere. “Change”, the standout opener, sets the tone with hypnotic patterns that unfold gradually. While it’s subtler than their more dramatic records, the album rewards repeated listens with its clever layering and warm textures. It’s a refreshing change of pace that still fits perfectly into the Gizz narrative.
Key Track: “Hate Dancin’” – sharp burst of funk-infused grooves with a tongue-in-cheek lyrical hook.
Groove-driven and smooth, this album reinvents old ideas into a new rhythmic form.
19. PetroDragonic Apocalypse (2023)
Following in the heavy footsteps of Rats’ Nest (2019), PetroDragonic Apocalypse dives into sludge-metal territory with an apocalyptic edge. The record is drenched in dystopian imagery, with thick riffs and dark atmospherics dominating the mix. While it occasionally verges on oppressive, its ferocity is undeniable. Songs like “Dragon” and “Supercell” breathe fire, proving the band’s metal experiments are more than one-off stunts. Even amid the heaviness, subtle shifts in dynamics keep the record engaging. It may not be as tightly wound as their thrash outings, but it stands as one of their most powerful statements.
Key Track: “Dragon” – roaring and doom-laden, the album’s heaviest and most commanding track.
Sludge-metal heaviness meets dystopian imagery in one of their darkest records.
18. Phantom Island (2025)
Their most recent release, Phantom Island, finds King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard diving headfirst into symphonic rock, teaming up with arranger Chad Kelly and a crew of classically trained musicians to expand their sound. Strings, horns, and woodwinds weave seamlessly into their rock foundation, creating a dynamic album that shifts between cinematic suites, jazzy detours, and soulful grooves. Tracks like the sprawling title cut, the horn-driven “Deadstick,” and the lush centerpiece “Spacesick” highlight their adventurous songwriting. Balancing experimentation with heartfelt moments, Phantom Island proves Gizz still thrives on evolution without losing their core energy.
Key Track: “Grow Wings and Fly” – the breezy and free closer on the album melds the best of the two focal points here into a great highlight for the record.
A mature and melodic exploration of mystery and orchestra, blending lush sounds with intensity.
17. Float Along – Fill Your Lungs (2013)
Float Along – Fill Your Lungs marked the band’s first leap into long-form psychedelic territory. Departing from the garage-rock chaos of their debut, they embraced sprawling arrangements and slower builds that hinted at their future ambitions. The title track drifts through lush textures, while “Head On/Pill” erupts into an ecstatic 16-minute jam that became a live staple. The album retains a raw edge, but its willingness to stretch beyond conventional song structures made it a pivotal turning point. It’s here that King Gizzard began to embrace the hypnotic and expansive sounds that would define many later records.
Key Track: “Head On/Pill” – a manic, extended centerpiece that encapsulates their early experimental fire.
Early psychedelic jams showcase the band’s first step toward expansive experimentation.
16. Gumboot Soup (2017)
Released as the capstone to their legendary five-album 2017 run, Gumboot Soup is a patchwork of ideas that didn’t fit elsewhere—yet it still feels cohesive in its own eclectic way. From the jazzy “The Last Oasis” to the chaotic “Greenhouse Heat Death,” the record shifts moods rapidly but always keeps things interesting. The variety is its strength, giving fans a sampler of everything Gizzard can do in a single package. While it lacks the conceptual drive of its siblings, it’s full of memorable tracks that stand proudly on their own.
Key Track: “Beginner’s Luck” – a smooth, infectious opener that sets a welcoming tone.
An eclectic mix of leftover ideas forming a surprisingly cohesive and engaging record.
15. Quarters! (2015)
Quarters! is a playful concept album with four tracks, each exactly 10 minutes and 10 seconds long. Instead of high-octane psych, the band leans into relaxed, jazzy jams that emphasize atmosphere over aggression. Songs stretch and breathe, moving between funk, psych, and even touches of surf, all tied together by fluid transitions. This album shows the band’s restraint, proving they don’t need speed or heaviness to hold attention. “The River” stands out as its smoothest moment, flowing effortlessly and showcasing their knack for groove. While not as dramatic as their later works, Quarters! remains a fan-favorite for its chilled-out vibe.
Key Track: “The River” – jazzy, sprawling, and the perfect example of the record’s laid-back charm.
Four 10-minute tracks flow with jazzy, relaxed vibes and experimental precision.
14. Laminated Denim (2022)
A spiritual sibling to Made in Timeland, Laminated Denim is built around two long-form tracks, each clocking in at fifteen minutes. Unlike its predecessor, this record thrives on krautrock-inspired rhythms and gradual layering that keep listeners locked into its trance. Themes of time and cycles resonate throughout, tying back to Gizzard’s fascination with loops and repetition. The band uses this minimal structure to create something meditative yet engaging, rewarding attentive listening. It may seem simple at first glance, but the subtleties in its groove and textures reveal new details with each spin.
Key Track: “Hypertension” – a meditative groove that slowly intensifies, pulling you into its hypnotic flow.
Long-form krautrock grooves create a meditative, hypnotic experience.
King Gizzard Essentials: Deep Cuts & Hidden Gems
A few demo tracks and overlooked cuts that reveal the band’s limitless creativity and energy.
“Gaia (Demo)” – Demos Vol. 3 + Vol. 4
A raw, unpolished instrumental version of “Gaia,” the pummeling thrash-metal standout from King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s 2022 album Omnium Gatherum. The demo offers a grittier take on the song’s relentless energy.
“The Cruel Millennial” – Fishing for Fishies
A funk-rock standout driven by a slinky bassline, crisp drum groove, and wah-soaked guitar that rides a laid-back yet infectious rhythm that nods to disco and boogie rock.
“Muddy Water” – Gumboot Soup
A track that probably does not get enough attention is a shimmering, folk-leaning song that drifts on a mellow, hypnotic groove built around acoustic guitar, soft percussion, and fluttering flute melodies.
“Robocop” – Demos Vol. 7 + Vol. 8
Featured on their latest Demos release, the track doesn’t have a studio album counterpart and builds from an instrumental surge into a dizzying melody with jagged looping motifs, plucked strings, and booming timpani drums.
“Candles” – Omnium Gatherum
A hidden gem tucked near the album’s close, this hypnotic track drifts with a late-’90s chillwave glow, casting a serene yet immersive spell.
“Alluda Majaka” – Oddments
A fun and groovy opening instrumental track from Oddments featuring horse noises and organs. It showed early on the wizardry and experimental side of King Gizzard!
13. K.G. (2020)
As the middle entry in the microtonal trilogy, K.G. takes the exotic scales and instruments introduced on Flying Microtonal Banana and hones them into a tighter, more song-focused record. The band balances hypnotic grooves with intricate riffs, layering textures that feel both familiar and strange. Songs like “Automation” showcase how they can craft hooks within unconventional frameworks, while “Intrasport” veers into electronic territory with surprising success. This album may not be as groundbreaking as its siblings, but it’s a vital bridge—showing their confidence in making microtonality both experimental and accessible.
Key Track: “Automation” – sharp, rhythmic, and one of the trilogy’s most infectious tracks.
A tight, song-focused middle chapter of the microtonal trilogy.
12. Murder of the Universe (2017)
Murder of the Universe dives headfirst into apocalyptic storytelling, delivered through relentless psych-rock intensity and dramatic narration. Split into three chapters, it tells tales of altered beasts, cyborgs, and ultimate destruction, narrated in a way that feels like a sci-fi audiobook set to pounding riffs. While its spoken-word passages divide some listeners, the music behind them is among their fiercest—tight, aggressive, and often breathtakingly dynamic. Tracks like “Altered Beast I” surge with chaotic energy, while “Vomit Coffin” and “The Lord of Lightning” bring heavy, theatrical flair. It’s an ambitious and polarizing album, but one that captures the band’s willingness to push boundaries to the brink.
Key Track: “The Lord Of Lightning” – aggressive and chaotic, embodying the record’s theatrical madness.
Apocalyptic narration meets intense psych-rock in a theatrical and chaotic package.
11. Flight b741 (2024)
With Flight b741, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard strip things back to a bluesy, 70s-inspired hard rock core while keeping their trademark twists intact. The ten-track album brims with fuzzed-out riffs, gritty grooves, and rootsy warmth, blending classic rock swagger with the band’s restless energy. Echoes of Fishing for Fishies and Changes surface in the layered songwriting, while tracks like the boogie-charged “Le Risque,” funky “Antarctica,” and riff-heavy “Sad Pilot” showcase their versatility. Lyrically, the band grounds their usual cryptic approach with aviation-themed imagery that ties the record together. Straightforward yet adventurous, Flight b741 proves King Gizz can rock hard without losing their unpredictable spark.
Key Track: “Sad Pilot” – another blues-based rocker with molten guitar riffs supporting a surprisingly soulful set of vocal performances.
King Gizzard’s leanest and most radio friendly ride yet, fusing classic rock grit with their trademark unpredictability.
10. Omnium Gatherum (2022)
Omnium Gatherum is a sprawling double album where King Gizzard throws every style into the mix—psychedelic jams, hip-hop touches, funk grooves, and blistering rock. The opener “The Dripping Tap” alone is an 18-minute odyssey that showcases their jam prowess and fearless genre blending. While its length and variety can feel overwhelming, it’s a celebration of the band’s refusal to be boxed in. Highs like “Magenta Mountain” and “Gaia” stand tall among their catalog, and even the stranger detours add to the album’s unpredictable charm. This record encapsulates everything fans love: experimentation, ambition, and moments of pure brilliance.
Key Track: “The Dripping Tap” – a massive jam that embodies the album’s adventurous spirit.
A sprawling double album embracing chaos, variety, and fearless genre-hopping.
9. Paper Mâché Dream Balloon (2015)
After several high-energy releases, Paper Mâché Dream Balloon arrived as a refreshing acoustic detour. The album trades fuzz pedals for flutes, harmonicas, and delicate melodies, offering a warm and whimsical experience. It’s full of breezy psych-pop tunes that feel handcrafted and intimate, yet never lack the adventurous spirit the band is known for. Tracks flow with playful energy, and the production’s light touch makes it easy to revisit repeatedly. While it’s softer than their usual fare, the record demonstrates their ability to craft memorable songs across any sonic palette. In 2021, the band reissued the album with a bonus LP featuring acoustic instrumental versions of all 12 tracks, showcasing the strength and intricacy of the compositions.
Key Track: “Trapdoor” – a quirky, catchy cut that highlights the album’s playful nature.
A warm acoustic psych-pop collection showing their playful, melodic side.
8. Flying Microtonal Banana (2017)
The first entry in their microtonal trilogy, Flying Microtonal Banana introduced custom-made guitars and a palette of unfamiliar scales that immediately set it apart. The band leaned into repetition and hypnotic rhythms, creating music that felt both alien and infectious. Its experimentation paid off, producing some of their catchiest grooves within an unconventional framework. The opening track, “Rattlesnake”, became an instant live favorite with its relentless pulse, while the rest of the record expanded on its eerie, looping aesthetic. This album opened the door to one of their most creatively rich eras, blending innovation with accessibility.
Key Track: “Rattlesnake” – hypnotic and relentless, perfectly embodying the microtonal experiment.
The microtonal experiment that expanded their sonic possibilities with hypnotic grooves.
7. Sketches of Brunswick East (2017, w/ Mild High Club)
Collaborating with Mild High Club, King Gizzard took a surprising detour with Sketches of Brunswick East. Instead of their usual chaos, this album glides on a soft, jazzy breeze inspired by their Melbourne neighborhood. Built around improvisation, it flows like a late-night jam session, full of smooth transitions and understated grooves. The record is rich in atmosphere, letting the textures and rhythms breathe while showcasing a gentler side of the band. It’s a moment of calm in their discography, proving they can slow down without losing creativity. This stylistic pivot highlights their fearless approach to reinvention while remaining cohesive and inviting.
Key Track: “Countdown” – dreamlike and smooth, encapsulating the album’s breezy vibe.
A smooth, jazz-infused collaboration offering a dreamy detour in their catalog.
6. L.W. (2021)
The conclusion to their microtonal trilogy, L.W. takes the experiments of its predecessors and turns them darker and more aggressive. Custom-built instruments and unconventional scales give the album its otherworldly vibe, while the band injects a newfound heaviness into their grooves. Thematically, it feels apocalyptic, with songs reflecting chaos and transformation. Despite its experimental framework, the record remains surprisingly accessible, with riffs that stick and rhythms that compel. It ties together the trilogy while pushing it into its most intense territory. Fans of their heavier edge found plenty to love, making it a fitting finale to one of their boldest arcs.
Key Track: “O.N.E.” – a hypnotic and groovy standout that embodies the album’s heavy microtonal punch.
A dark, heavy closer to the microtonal trilogy with hypnotic riffs and edge.
5. Infest the Rats’ Nest (2019)
When King Gizzard announced a thrash metal record, some fans thought it was a stunt. Infest the Rats’ Nest proved otherwise. Fierce, focused, and thematically apocalyptic, it tells the story of ecological collapse and humanity’s desperate escape to space. The band fully commits to the genre—razor-sharp riffs, guttural vocals, and pummeling drums dominate every track. Yet it still feels unmistakably like them, with their knack for narrative and groove intact. It’s one of their most cohesive efforts, delivering intensity without sacrificing songwriting. This record broadened their audience while showing that genre boundaries mean nothing in the Gizzverse. It’s a record that grows more impactful with time, standing out as an increasingly pivotal release in their catalog.
Key Track: “Planet B” – a venomous thrash anthem that opens the record with blistering urgency.
A thrash metal concept album that rages with apocalyptic urgency.
4. I’m In Your Mind Fuzz (2014)
I’m In Your Mind Fuzz was an entry gate for many new fans and the turning point where King Gizzard’s garage psych roots transformed into something larger, sharper, and more hypnotic. The opening four-song suite barrels forward with motorik intensity, drawing the listener into a whirlwind of riffs and grooves that refuse to let go. The album balances relentless drive with melodic accessibility, giving it a perfect mix of chaos and catchiness. This was where the band started flexing their ability to create conceptual flow while still delivering standalone hooks. Its hypnotic rhythms and spiraling guitars became a signature, laying the groundwork for their most ambitious works to come.
Key Track: “Cellophane” – a driving, hook-filled track that captures their psych-rock evolution.
Motorik rhythms and psych hooks create a hypnotic turning point in their sound.
3. Polygondwanaland (2017)
Released for free and open to anyone to press, Polygondwanaland reflects King Gizzard’s adventurous streak and generosity toward their fans. Musically, it’s one of their most intricate works—a full dive into progressive rock, filled with shifting time signatures, epic builds, and a mythological narrative that feels both ancient and futuristic. The band’s layering here is meticulous, creating a sense of grandeur without overloading the listener. Every song flows into the next like chapters in a sprawling novel, culminating in a record that’s as immersive as it is rewarding. Its availability as a free-for-all pressing only adds to its legendary status.
Key Track: “Crumbling Castle” – a towering opener that establishes the album’s massive, immersive sound.
Progressive rock grandeur meets mythic storytelling in their most intricate work.
2. Ice, Death, Planets, Lungs, Mushrooms and Lava (2022)
With its sprawling jams and elemental concept, Ice, Death, Planets, Lungs, Mushrooms and Lava became an instant standout in the Gizzverse. Built from daily improvisation sessions, the band allowed ideas to evolve naturally, resulting in tracks that breathe and expand like living organisms. Each song ties to a planetary or elemental theme, weaving a cohesive journey from shimmering textures to volcanic heaviness. The interplay between members is particularly striking here, with grooves that lock in but never feel stagnant. Despite its jam origins, the album maintains focus, showcasing some of their tightest long-form writing. This record confirmed their mastery of exploratory yet engaging soundscapes.
Key Track: “Magma” – a slow-burn eruption of groove and texture that defines the album’s core.
A sprawling jam-based journey where improvisation becomes a cohesive statement.
1. Nonagon Infinity (2016)
If one record defines King Gizzard’s ethos, it’s Nonagon Infinity. Constructed as an “infinite loop,” the album’s nine tracks flow endlessly, making the listener feel trapped in a fever dream of riffs and rhythms. This was the moment where their vision clicked completely—relentless drumming, hypnotic guitar lines, and energy that never lets up. Each track bleeds into the next with no pause, creating a perpetual motion machine of psychedelic rock. The storytelling leans into the mystical, with imagery of people-vultures and gamma knives swirling around the chaos. This record cemented their reputation early as a band with no limits, delivering both concept and execution with precision.
Key Track: “Gamma Knife” – a ferocious anthem that encapsulates the album’s cyclical madness.
The album loops endlessly with unstoppable psych-rock power.
Final Groove
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard have built their legacy on unpredictability. From sprawling psych odysseys to thrash metal blasts and synth-heavy explorations, they’ve never stayed in one lane. This ranking follows their wild evolution, showcasing a band that thrives on constant reinvention. Their diversity means no two fans will rank their albums the same—what’s a favorite for one might be the least loved by another. That’s the beauty of the Gizz universe. Phantom Island closes the list as their latest chapter, proof that even after 27 albums, they continue to find new ways to surprise. If history is any guide, the next transformation is already taking shape.
A lifelong fan of new music—spent the ’90s working in a record store and producing alternative video shows. In the 2000s, that passion shifted online with blogging, diving headfirst into the indie scene and always on the lookout for the next great release. Still here, still listening, and still sharing the best of what’s new.
