Knut
Challenger
2002
Hydra Head Records
Our Rating - 89/100
Switzerland. Hearing Switzerland probably conjures up random items, such as Toblerone chocolate (you know, the chocolate that comes in a long triangular box), Swiss Army Knives, and offshore bank accounts. Well, now you can think of Knut. A band that's existed in Europe for a while, but has only recently received attention in the states over the past few years, courtesy of Hydra Head Records and the group's two available U.S. releases, "Bastardiser," and its self-titled EP. "Challenger" is the unit's latest full-length for both continents, and let me state right now that it easily surpasses all expectations and anything that the band has produced thus far.
Don't get me wrong. "Bastardizer" was a good album, albeit outdated when released stateside. Meanwhile, the EP was a nice transition to "Challenger." But it's the subtle changes that have benefited Knut and its music in the latest effort, from the slightly faster tempos, to the less straightforward chord pummeling. "Whacked Out," the album's opening track, leads off with discordant guitars and a very thick sounding bass, and then breaks into a math-metal groove that would make Botch proud. Accompanying the chaotic guitar line is the constantly flowing and frantic drumming, stop-and-go rhythms, and heavy crunch. "Repressed" and "El Niño" comes off with a groove feel as well, and . . .
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