Album Review: Radiant Knife – The Ghost (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.

After wowing us with The Body, it is now time for The Ghost and once again Radiant Knife wow. Although, stylistically it is different to The Body, focusing on atmosphere and musical depth while still being a fuzzy slab of metal.

The ringing guitar melody and grandiose vocals of opener The Grand Decay beginning things strongly. Before True Believers takes that dreamy feeling and transforms it into an energetic collision of groovy riffing, thumping drums and airy effects.

However, as Dark Horizon proves, Radiant Knife were just getting started as here they really stretch their development and show just how detailed they can be. A moving and thorough journey with plenty of meat to the bones. Easily one of the best tracks, not just from The Ghost but from The Body too.

Well and truly encapsulating the more spiritual theme they were aiming for, the out-of-body airiness that embodies this album continues strongly into Surrender. Although there’s a deeper punch to the guitars for sure.

The penultimate track, Give Up the Ghost has Radiant Knife take their time to mature their most melodramatic and moody sounding track. Before there’s a bit more fire and flames for the finale of The Light Born from Dark. An immersive end to such an immersive album.

Radiant Knife have knocked it out of the park again.

Radiant Knife – The Ghost Full Track Listing:

1. The Grand Decay
2. True Believers
3. Dark Horizon
4. Surrender
5. Give Up the Ghost
6. The Light Born from Dark

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook