By: Johell

Posted: Dec 13, 2005

Knut from Geneva, Switzerland is back. They've been around for more than 10 years now and have released several split 7"s and great albums like "Leftovers" from '97, "Bastardiser" from '98 and "Challenger" back in 2002.

Now, the break is over, three years after the explosive "Challenger" where the band explored chaotic hardcore injected with noise parts, Knut is back with an enormous new album named "Terraformer". Twelve new tracks recorded with Jérôme Pellegrini (Mumakil, Nostromo) are presented here with Knut's unique style of hardcore, noise, hybrid metal and cool samples. The production is by the way amazing.

This is a fresh album out on HydraHead. If you like bands like Neurosis, Isis and also Pelican, be sure to get an ear on it, and if you already know about Knut, you will simply love this new outstanding work! This album is intense, filled with energy and contains also atmospheric parts, intriguing noisy moments and kind of serenity-filled moments are hidden on this great album. Only four tracks from the album have lyrics, the rest are unique moments of inspired instrumental tracks.

"Terraformer" opens with '7.08' a cold noisy intro with cool guitar. Then we have 'Wyriwys' an intense and loud track. The voice on this track is impressive, close to agony. The guitars are damn heavy, the drumming very tight. 'Kyoto' follows, the screams are filled with rage, this track contains nice breaks and powerful drumming and bass.

'Torvalds' has something very strong and groovy, I really like the drums on this track and the guitar line is catchy as well. 'Seattle' kicks ass. A short track, but damn how much power it contains. 'Bollingen' is a strange but beautiful track, the atmosphere here is dark and nasty. This track is like a painting or could fit a weird film.

'Solar Flare' is a very huge, intense and strong track. A seven minute piece of dreamy music filled with images and an impressive feeling of obscure warmth is spread around and almost makes you sweat. Jérôme plays guitar as guest on this track.

The calm is over with 'Fallujah', this track has an almost punk feeling and is of course intense, as the following track 'Genoa' is as well. Then comes a more vaporous moment with 'Davos', an almost melancholic guitar/bass line overruns your ears.

'Evian' is another great seven minute piece of an ambient soundscape, almost hypnotizing, a great track. 'Fibonacci Unfolds' closes "Terraformer" with a sombre and disturbing piece of drone close to SunnO)).

Knut is back with a masterpiece, and this is really an album to have in your collection. I'm really looking forward to see them live on the 21st of December here in Geneva.

Rating: 9/10

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