Murder of the Universe
by King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard
  • Record Label: Heavenly
  • Release Date: Jun 23, 2017
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 60 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 60
  3. Negative: 3 out of 60
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  1. CiphirSol
    Jul 10, 2017
    7
    Oh boy, if only I could get a version that condenses the smaller tracks into something larger and removes the overdub narrative I could really get down to this. KG is at their best when playing something tight and cohesive like Nonagon, this gets a bit sprawling at time, but most of the cogs are in the right place.
  2. AdmiralJones42
    Jun 23, 2017
    9
    King Gizzard have done it again. The most prolific band in the world has once more managed to create a masterful record woven with intricate polyrhythm, punishing drive, far-out narrative, and complex musicianship in a short matter of months since their last release. Their signature blend of psych and prog garage rock mixed in with heavy elements of doom metal and math rock help to createKing Gizzard have done it again. The most prolific band in the world has once more managed to create a masterful record woven with intricate polyrhythm, punishing drive, far-out narrative, and complex musicianship in a short matter of months since their last release. Their signature blend of psych and prog garage rock mixed in with heavy elements of doom metal and math rock help to create one of the most impactful and creative listens of the year. Don't be fooled by the 22-track listing, this album is truly only 3 long chapters subdivided into short segments. Very highly recommended.

    Best Track: "Chapter I: The Tale of The Altered Beast"    … Expand
  3. framk
    Jun 23, 2017
    7
    Best way to describe this album is "Nonagon Infinity pt. 2". Gizzard is known for mixing things up in nearly every album, and I suppose splitting the album into 3 chapters is something new, but in this it felt a little too safe, a little too familiar. Hell, these guys are insanely prolific musicians, and with 3 albums this year, they're severely under the gun in terms of generatingBest way to describe this album is "Nonagon Infinity pt. 2". Gizzard is known for mixing things up in nearly every album, and I suppose splitting the album into 3 chapters is something new, but in this it felt a little too safe, a little too familiar. Hell, these guys are insanely prolific musicians, and with 3 albums this year, they're severely under the gun in terms of generating content. Looking forward to the next album for sure, but to me this was an incredibly okay album.… Expand
  4. ozprogmeister
    Jul 25, 2017
    8
    The mighty Captain Dave Brock said he hoped the good ship Hawkwind would live on after his death, if it doesn't there is a worthy successor in King Gizzard!
  5. Music_Observer
    Nov 13, 2017
    8
    This work of psychedelic rock art is full to the brim with ambition, direction, and power that shakes the listener to their core; if the listener is willing to fully take this work in as it’s presented, it can be cooler beyond imagination. My Score: 146/180 (Great) = 8.1/10
  6. Aniican
    Jun 26, 2017
    7
    KGATLW sectioned off this album into 3 parts. Part 1 (which is my favorite of the 3) is a high energy Prog/Doom Rock roller coaster. Part 2 expands on Nonagon Infinity (particularly People Vultures) and does so pretty well. Part 3, In my opinion, is the weakest of the bunch. its not bad, but for me, does not match the first 2 Parts in Narrative and Quality.
  7. CPaccini
    Jul 22, 2017
    7
    Very energetic and creative, however, King Gizzard seems to be diluting their music by not investing their full attention on any one project. Murder Of The Universe is a fun and refreshing listen that is worth checking out.
  8. Burgigham
    Sep 12, 2022
    9
    this album is rediculous. the spoken word, insaine synth, and firey guitar solos make for an absurd lovecraftian roller coaster.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. The Quietus
    Jul 10, 2017
    80
    While its episodic narrative veers off into realms of absurdity akin to standalone send-ups, it proves--especially after a repeated listen--a fun, texturally dense celebration of the possible, a showcase of real daring that has been the payoff of countless prog odysseys of yore, the perfectly bonkers lineage of which it so clearly stems.
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  2. Q Magazine
    Jul 6, 2017
    80
    It doesn't hold back on the lysergic craziness. [Aug 2017, p.106]
  3. Pitchfork
    Jun 29, 2017
    80
    Murder of the Universe may be built from the band’s now-familiar krautpunk battle plan, but their ability to execute outsized architectural complexity at manic, warp-speed velocity is no less astonishing.
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