Just a week after announcing that their upcoming album will feature an orchestral influence, the acclaimed Australian music collective King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard have officially unveiled the details of their 27th album, generating excitement among fans and music critics alike.

Scheduled for release on June 13 through the band’s own label, (p)doom Records, the new album Phantom Island is anticipated to mark a significant stylistic evolution for these genre-defying rock musicians. This ten-track collection will introduce orchestral arrangements into their music for the very first time, showcasing their willingness to innovate and explore new sonic landscapes.

The inspiration for this new direction came after a memorable encounter with members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic while backstage at the renowned Hollywood Bowl in June 2023. According to guitarist and vocalist Stu Mackenzie, the recording sessions for King Gizzard’s upcoming 2024 album, titled Flight b741, resulted in a treasure trove of tracks that required “more time and space and thought” along with additional “energy and color” to fully realize their potential.

With the influence of the LA Philharmonic in mind, Mackenzie sought the expertise of his friend, the British historical keyboardist, conductor, and arranger Chad Kelly. Mackenzie describes Kelly as possessing a “wealth of musical awareness” that enhances his versatile arrangements. “We come from such different worlds—he plays the classics by Mozart and Bach, utilizing the same harpsichords they did, and tunes them the exact same way. Yet, he also shares my fascination with microtonal music and all the intricate details that come with it,” Mackenzie added.

The influence of Kelly is prominently featured in the lead single “Deadstick,” which combines sophisticated orchestral arrangements with funky musicianship, creating a unique soundscape. The accompanying music video, directed by Guy Tyzack, further enhances the track’s artistic vision, illustrating the band’s creative evolution.

Founded in Melbourne, Australia, in 2010, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard quickly established themselves as one of the most prolific bands in the country. Remarkably, they released five albums in both 2017 and 2022, showcasing their incredible work ethic and diverse musical styles that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Despite their impressive discography, the band has yet to claim the top spot on the Australian charts, although they have reached No. 2 on four separate occasions. In the United States, King Gizzard peaked at No. 64 on the Billboard 200 with their 2019 release Infest the Rats’ Nest. Their dedicated fanbase has ensured that the majority of their releases have found a place on the Top Album Sales chart, demonstrating their broad appeal and the strength of their music.

In January, King Gizzard were announced as part of the lineup for the 2025 edition of the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, where they will perform three sets over three days as part of the inaugural ‘Roo Residency. This special residency will coincide with the release of Phantom Island on June 13 and will be followed by an extensive series of U.S. tour dates, featuring a unique 29-piece orchestra in each city.

Their U.S. tour will also include a standalone “Rock ‘n Roll Show” in New York on August 2, culminating in a spectacular three-day Field of Vision festival in Colorado later that month. This tour promises to be a landmark event for fans, merging rock with orchestral elements in a live setting.

Get Excited for King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s 2025 U.S. Tour Dates

June 13-15 – Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Manchester, TN
July 28 – TD Pavilion At The Mann, Philadelphia, PA (w/ Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia)
July 30 – Westville Music Bowl, New Haven, CT (w/ Orchestra of St. Luke’s)
Aug. 1 – Forest Hills Stadium, Forest Hills, NY (w/ Orchestra of St. Luke’s)
Aug. 2 – Forest Hills Stadium, Forest Hills, NY
Aug. 4 – Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD (w/ National Symphony Orchestra)
Aug. 6 – Ravinia Festival, Highland Park, IL (w/ Chicago Philharmonic)
Aug. 8 – Ford Amphitheater, Colorado Springs, CO (w/ Colorado Symphony)
Aug. 10 – Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA (w/ Hollywood Bowl Orchestra)
Aug. 11 – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, San Diego, CA (w/ San Diego Symphony Orchestra)
Aug. 15-17 – Field of Vision at Meadow Creek, Buena Vista, CO