Album Review: Radiant Knife – The Body (Self Released)

Born of the Lafayette, Louisiana heavy music scene, experimental duo Radiant Knife has been laying down their unique brand of riffage since 2016. With Greg Travasos on drums/percussion and Stephen Sheppert on guitar, vocals, and synth, the band creates a monstrous sonic landscape influenced by Mahavishnu Orchestra, Yes, Zeni Geva, Dazzling Killmen, Keelhaul, Loincloth, Today is the Day, and King Crimson. Radiant Knife is now preparing to release two separate albums in 2020: The Body on August 28th, and The Ghost on October 9th.

The band explains:

We typically have songs that can be lumped in two broad groups: one group being tech/riff driven, heavy compositions and the other group being looser and more focused on letting the music breathe. In this go-around we just ended up with enough material to fulfil two releases. Lyrically speaking, The Ghost deals with a lot of spiritual themes (death of the physical body, afterlife beliefs, etc.) so the title seemed to fit pretty well. In contrast, The Body was a fitting title for the tech/heavy album. Although different, they are very much connected and I believe should be listened to one after the other to get the full picture of what Radiant Knife is about.

Radiant Knife promise something very exciting although the wait between albums is going to feel far longer then 6 weeks. Why? Because ‘part 1’ (as it where) is one hell of a listen.

A mechanical monstrosity, a technical heavyweight and ballsy blast, PMA is a strident start. The sharpness of the guitars cutting through the methodical beat of the percussion and the briefest of vocals adding an ethereal touch.

Time ups the ante with an even deeper and heavier groove, where the technicality doesn’t overshadow what is head-banging gold. GTFO being the shortest track, has a much wilder and violent approach. The jagged approach to the guitars and furious vocal respites prove to be another banger. The Beast then comes roaring out of the wilds but in an eclectic and interesting decision, Radiant Knife add an effect that adds haunting depth to the track.

No complaints though, it’s another elegant track which leads us to the finale of The Body called From Dust. The most earth-shatteringly extensive track of the bunch, where Radiant Knife showcase hidden beauty alongside unbridled heaviness. Switching from chuggy riffs to out and out furious pace and sophisticated melodies. It’s wonderful.

Radiant Knife – The Body Full Track Listing:

1. PMA
2. Time
3. GTFO
4. The Beast
5. From Dust

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook