"Shapeshifter" is the ninth studio album by Gong, released in 1992, marking a significant return for Daevid Allen's version of the band after an 18-year hiatus since You (1974). This album is notable for being the first without founding member Gilli Smyth, with only Allen and Didier Malherbe returning from the previous lineup. Drummer Pip Pyle, who had contributed to earlier albums, also rejoined for this project.
Continuing the band's rich mythology, Shapeshifter features the character Zero the Hero, who embarks on a surreal journey. The narrative includes an encounter with an urban shaman, leading to a quest for higher awareness, ultimately resulting in Zero's mysterious death in Australia.
Since its initial release, Shapeshifter has seen various editions, some featuring different track lists. The original version included tracks like "Là Bas Là Bas" and "I Gotta Donkey," which are not present on the 1997 Lightyear release. This later edition concludes with a bonus track, "Goddess Invocation Om Riff," recorded live during the summer solstice of 1992.
Overall, Shapeshifter serves as a pivotal point in Gong's discography, reconnecting with its avant-garde roots while exploring new themes within the established narrative framework.
