Saturday 14 July 2018

Radiant Knife - Science Fiction (Album Review)


Release date: August 08th 2018. Label: Self Released. Format: DD/Vinyl

Science Fiction – Tracklisting

1.Stereo Lords
2.Wasted Minds
3.All We Are Is All We Know
4.The Human Condition
5.Awakened
6.Swarming Lights Surround You
7.Withered Hands
8.Suffer Under God

Members

Stephen Sheppert - Guitar, Vocs, Keys
Greg Travasos - Drums

Review

I remember hearing Radiant Knife's music in the past. As I recognised some of the themes and progressive ideas they used on their last album. Science Fiction follows the same progressive and heavy path as their last album. Though this album is more experimental and perhaps Doom/Sludge Metal orientated. The album doesn't shy away from blending quieter sounds to a heavier style of Doom/Sludge Metal.

The opening two songs of the album - Stereo Lords and Wasted Minds - offer a lot of different sounds that need time to fully digest. There is almost Torche-esque pop sensibility here but those vibes are very few and far between. As Radiant Knife always excel when the harsher and heavier riffs appear. There are only eight songs on the album running past the forty five minute mark. However the album feels longer and that's perhaps down to the more experimental themes and layers of music contained on some of the songs. Ambient Music is a big part of Radiant Knife's identity. As they like to experiment on almost every aspect of the album. The strongest has to be the vocals.

The vocals from Stephen do take influence from Devin Townsend or they have the same emotional feeling. Songs such as: All We Are Is All We Know, The Human Condition, Awakened and Swimming Lights Surround sees a forward thinking band with the lyrics being decidedly different compared to different bands within the Doom/Sludge Metal spectrum. If you enjoy the more complex lyrics and themes of Doom/Sludge Metal then Radiant Knife are on another level.

Science Fiction is one of the weirdest and psychedelic offerings I've heard this year. Next to Boss Keloid, Radiant Knife is merging real intelligence into the realm of Doom/Sludge Metal.

Truth be told I did find this album very hard to review at times. As there is perhaps too much going on when you first listen to the album. My advice is to listen to this album multiple times before making a final conclusion. As you could be missing out on understanding the whole journey of Science Fiction.

Radiant Knife manage to include elements of Grunge and Stoner Rock within the album.

The final two songs Withered Hands and Suffer Under God are the standout parts of the album with the band leading you on another progressive and surreal journey that packs quite an emotional punch.

Overall, Science Fiction is a rich and deeply rewarding album that undoubtedly demands your full attention.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Curtis at Dewar PR for the promo. Science Fiction will be available to buy on DD from August 08th 2018 and Vinyl from August 15th 2018.

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