Released: 2023

Genres: Thrash Metal, Progressive Metal

The Musiquarium’s PetroDragonic Apocalypse Review Score: 4.5/5

After an overwhelmingly successful dive into the metal genre with the 2019 fan-favourite Infest the Rats’ Nest, the dynamic Australian sextet have returned to the world of thrash metal, with PetroDragonic Apocalypse; or, Dawn of Eternal Night: An Annihilation of Planet Earth and the Beginning of Merciless Damnation.

Adding a more modern and progressive metal influence this time, along with a recording process that incorporated jamming, similar to that of Ice, Death, Planets, Lungs, Mushrooms and Lava, Petrodragonic Apocalypse sets itself apart from its spiritual predecessor just enough, but scratches that same itch that Infest the Rat’s Nest had. As for the lyrical content, the band has swapped out lyrics about space colonization for something more fantastical, though just as (if not more) apocalyptic.

Motor Spirit is an 8 and a half minute-long opener that sounds like you’ve just wandered into the wastelands of Mad Max. Supercell is a raving ripper of a song. Converge captivates with a Painkiller era Judas Priest speed metal sound. Witchcraft is wonderfully wicked. Gila Monster features group vocal shouts, as well as individual verses from both Stu Mackenzie and a particularly savage-sounding Ambrose Kenny-Smith.

The nearly 10 minute-long epic Dragon finds the band channeling some TOOL, The lengthy closer, Flamethrower, ends with a surprising left-turn into something resembling a rave. The entire band sounds deadly as always, though a special shoutout to Michael Cavanagh, who is a total beast behind the drum kit here.

PetroDragonic Apocalypse manages to be every bit as satisfying and addictive as Infest the Rats’ Nest was, but never feels derivative of that record, and just cranks everything up to 11 instead. If King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard wasn’t so busy trying to master every genre, they’d have made one hell of a metal band.

For credit breakdowns and historic release details, view King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard on Discogs.

Back to the 2023 Album Reviews Guide or the King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Reviews page.

Written by Brett Nippard