ALBUM REVIEW: Knife – Knife

German Black Speed Metal maniacs KNIFE will deliver their debut full length on October 22nd via Dying Victims Productions.

Roaring guitars and building drums climax with a galloping Heavy Metal thunder, driven by mighty bass before venomous vocals shriek into fruition. Immediate and razor-sharp is the onslaught of old school mayhem and battery that hits hard and fast from the onset with no remorse. Vocally, the instant resemblance to a more piercing Mille Petrozza is the best comparison I can give while the thrashing inferno of instruments is perhaps a bit less blackened, going in a more battle-hardened direction. There is that almost clunky sound to the bass guitar which is always very welcome in this kind of music, while the guitars have a scooped and heavily driven sound that carries the soaring leads and magnificent vocals atop waves of pummelling drum ferocity. As a newcomer to this Teutonic Metal machine, I can certainly say Knife have grasped my attention.

Melodious and triumphant lead work often overlays heavy chord strikes to give that glorious feeling of pure Heavy Metal before we enter a Speed Metal armageddon that ramps up the extremity. This pattern is utilised to full effect with regularity but with enough flavour to not become repetitive or overly predictable, blending tradition with enough innovation to keep things exciting. Fiery and mighty is the sound of Knife whom deliver sincere and diabolically violent Heavy, Blackened Speed Metal with a thrashing and punk-tinged element to their sound which gives it so much attitude and barbarity while keeping fantastic musicianship and memorable songwriting at the core of their hellish sound. Betwixt the savagery of the music is a catchy approach that songs like “White Witch – Black Death” and “Black Leather Hounds” showcase perfectly with that anthemic and grooving touch that will have you pounding fists and yelling along in no time without the need for ridiculous gimmick. Forging forwards, these moments add flare to the record but the overall pace if never lost, taking us further into the belly of the beast which each piece of carnage offered upon the altar of steel.

Each song is worthy of cranking at full volume and better still, works in the full context of the album to grandiose and chaotic effect. Diverse and yet with a consistent feeling of fire throughout, the energetic performance and crushing sound will definitely not bore anyone of sound mind who is looking for a majestically maniacal experience. There are plenty of Midnight-esque moments that will appeal to most maniacs (myself included) while the unmistakable German artillery of thrashing malice is always present and fuelling the to-the-bone sound that is definitely not lacking its own character. The impressive soloing on this album has an almost Power Metal feeling with the virtuosity rather than more standard whammy abuse, giving the music that soaring and mystical feeling that one could attain from old American Power Metal bands, while never feeling too showy or taking away from the momentum of the songs. The sound of Knife is a mighty and formidable beast that demands your attentiveness.

A ferocious debut of pure Heavy Metal might. Plenty of killer ideas and a brilliant execution meet gorgeous artwork and a thunderous production to give us a truly excellent piece of German fury. Taking enough cues from Teutonic Thrash Metal, Black Metal and good old NWOBHM with a Speed Metal overhaul to further sharpen the Knife, this is definitely not one to miss for head-banging maniacs needing an anthem for debauchery and destruction.