It’s been five long years since KING PARROT unleashed a full-length album. After enduring the global slowdown of the pandemic, the Aussie grind-thrash maniacs have returned with A Young Person’s Guide to KING PARROT—a record Matt Young calls their most “complete, aggressive, and urgent” to date.
Photo: Emma Semple
We caught up with frontman Matt Young on tour in the U.S. to talk about the band’s creative evolution, absurd videos, and what it’s like smashing your face mid-set. Spoiler: it involves a lost tooth in Omaha.
It’s been 5 years since the last full-length. What personal or creative shifts happened during that time that shaped A Young Person’s Guide to KING PARROT?
Like every band, we had some downtime because of COVID. But when we returned to North America in 2023, we played shows with Pantera, toured with Weed Eater, did our own headlining dates—it kind of lit a fire under us again. That tour really brought back our drive to be creative. By the end of 2023, we pulled together all the riffs and ideas, did loads of pre-production, and by early 2024, we were recording. It felt natural again.
You’ve called this the band’s most complete and intense work. What pushed it to that level?
It was about being more mature and methodical. We really focused on pre-production and took a new approach—different studio, different strategy. We recorded with Luke Walton at Danger Tone Studios in Melbourne. He’s serious about his craft and really understood our sound. That attention to detail made a big difference.
The lead single Fuck You and the Horse You Rode In On is brutally direct. How important is confrontation in your songwriting?
That’s just who we are. There’s aggression, humor, absurdity—it’s all part of being Australian. We’ve always tried to find people who’d stick around and enjoy the chaos. No rules, no image. We’re not trying to be anything but ourselves. This record really reflects that.
This album had a more meticulous studio process. What was the biggest challenge—or reward?
It was less about fixing past mistakes and more about evolving. We’ve always had our own identity, but this time we really nailed the preparation. Luke’s been a friend of the band for years and his work ethic is top notch. We rehearse at his studio, so it felt like home. Honestly, the amount of time and effort we put into 25 minutes of music was wild—but it was worth it.
Tracks like Target, Pig Elite, and Pissing on the Fist of the Law hint at deeper frustrations. Political? Personal?
It’s both. We’ve never been a political band, but we’re living in strange times. It feels like it’s not country vs. country anymore—it’s governments and corporations vs. the people. We’re not preaching, but we are reacting. That’s what this record captures: frustration, and maybe a little hope that people wake up.
What was the first record you ever bought? And what’s your most prized music collectible?
First cassette was Cloud Nine by George Harrison. First vinyl? The Real Thing by Faith No More. Not bad, right? As for collectibles, I’ve got a killer 1978 Fender Precision Bass that I absolutely love. I’m a bass player at heart.
You experimented with guitar tones. What gear made the difference?
The “Evil Joe A” amp by Head First—an Aussie-made amp modeled after one custom-made for producer Joe Barresi. It completely changed our guitar tone. We finally got one through Luke and it was a game-changer.
The Trainspotting-inspired video is nuts. What’s the most undignified thing a member of KING PARROT has done for a video or live show?
One time in Omaha, our guitarist smashed his face into his cab and knocked a tooth out mid-set—classic. Video-wise, Fuck You and the Horse You Rode In On was a blast. We built a full toilet set to recreate that Trainspotting scene. But the most absurd? Probably Ten Pounds of Shit in a Five Pound Bag. We filmed it in a real BDSM dungeon. That was… interesting. But they were super accommodating!
You’re playing with legends like Pantera and Pentagram. If Ozzy Osbourne walked into your gig, what track would you want him to hear?
Fuck You and the Horse You Rode In On. I think he’d love the tongue-in-cheek vibe.
You’re hitting Eli’s Mile High Club in Oakland soon. What’s next for KING PARROT?
We’re always looking for new opportunities to tour. It’s the foundation of who we are. We pride ourselves on our live show. So yeah, we’ll be back in the U.S. next year, for sure. If you’re at the Oakland show, come say hi.
King Parrot return in full psychotic bloom with A Young Person’s Guide to King Parrot—a savage, unfiltered barrage of grind, groove, and spite. This isn’t just a comeback; it’s a battering ram through the front door of complacency. Matt Young’s vocal assault is razor-edged and unrelenting, while the band sounds tighter and meaner than ever. With surgical production and the chaotic energy of a pub brawl, this album is a masterclass in controlled chaos. Standout tracks like “Fuck You and the Horse You Rode In On” and “Look Away I’m Hideous” reaffirm what fans already know: King Parrot don’t just play heavy—they weaponize it.
KING PARROT Live: w/ Pantera, Amon Amarth:
8/20/2025 Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre – Salt Lake City, UT
8/22/2025 White River Amphitheatre – Auburn, WA
8/23/2025 Cascades Amphitheater – Ridgefield, WA
8/26/2025 Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre – Phoenix, AZ
8/27/2025 Kia Forum – Inglewood, CA
8/28/2025 Elis Mile High Club – Oakland, CA (No Pantera or Amon Amarth)
8/29/2025 T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas, NV
8/31/2025 Isleta Amphitheater – Albuquerque, NM
9/02/2025 Germania Insurance Amphitheater – Austin, TX w/ Flesh Hoarder
9/03/2025 Dos Equis Pavillion – Dallas, TX w/ Flesh Hoarder
9/05/2025 Ruoff Music Center – Noblesville, IN
9/06/2025 Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis, MO
9/08/2025 Coca-Cola Amphitheater – Birmingham, AL
9/10/2025 Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater – Virginia Beach, VA
9/11/2025 Coastal Credit Union Park at Walnut Creek – Raleigh, NC
9/13/2025 iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre – West Palm Beach, FL
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