MURDER OF THE UNIVERSE

This was album number two from 2017 for this band as they delve into darker music and themes and this is their heaviest album at this point. We get three stories loosely connected in that we are dealing with A.I. Technology and apocalyptic future events. They take this scary and real subject to some funny places mind you. Lots of narration which I actually like and Han-Tyumi the character on the final story speaks for himself and is hilarious. Man if your a music nerd and are into concept albums and themes and characters that span albums you need to get into this band. Han-Tyumi pops up on "Robot Stop" from "Nonagon Infinity", "Tezeta" from "Sketches Of Brunswick East", "Deserted Dunes Welcome Weary Feet" and "The Fourth Colour" from "Polygondwanaland" along with "Automation" from "KG" and more. Mellotron is credited on here, just saying. The stories range from 12 to 20 minutes in medley form with plenty of energy.

So this follows the pattern of the three GIZZARD albums I've already reviewed and I just feel this is my least favourite of those four. Even though this is heavier they've been here done that and I feel it's a step down from the three before it I have already reviewed. In order I rate "Flying Microtonal Banana" first followed by "I'm In Your Mind Fuzz" and "Nonagon Infinity" then "Murder Of The Universe". I still need to get to "Polygondwanaland" and I know it will be right up there. I normally lean towards heavier music but not with this band. "The Tale Of The Altered Beast" is the story of a man fused with machine and is a 20 minute medley. I love the female narration. Same with Han-Tyumi speaking and wishing he was human again so that he could die and be sick and this climaxes with "Vomit Coffin" a killer track just before the final title track ends the story.

Such an entertaining record and easily 4 stars for my tastes but will it end up in my top five when all is said and done?