The Pitch: "After eight long years, the debut and final full length album from New Jersey progressive metal instrumental trio Knife the Glitter" via Party Smasher and Husaria Records. Featuring members of The Dillinger Escape Plan, John Frum and Intensus.
What I Like: With a lineup like that, how could I say no? While I certainly hear the impact of all of the above groups, Knife The Glitter manages to stand apart, falling more in line with the likes of Animals As Leaders and Cotillion. These instrumental compositions are highly diverse and complex, pulling on classic mathcore influences while also getting more progressive and a bit jazzy in the process. It's notable that the band previously had vocalists and toyed with metalcore elements, but I must say that I don't find myself mourning the substantial changes. When the violin kicks in on "Permanent Baby Snowpants," or the 80's synth takes over "Kid Colossal," it's hard to find myself wanting to hear anything else. And those additions aside, the performances on bass, drums, and guitar are all more than enough to encourage a recommendation.
Critiques: Feedback seems a little foregone since this is a swansong, but it's what I do. I would have trimmed things down and played wtih the pacing a little more. There are times where I was a little worn down by the constant mathy dissonance. I also found "Highly Electric Squirrel" to be on the repetetive side.
The Verdict: This album is the culmination of 15 years of touring with the likes of The Number Twelve, Horse The Band, and Ion Dissonance; as well as plenty of inner turmoil along the way. Those high and low points, as well as a general sense of history, are conveyed impressively across these 40 minutes. Knife The Glitter takes you on a journey through a decade and a half of shifting influences, life priorities, and lineup alike. Get lost in it below.
Flight's Fav's: Gargle Clamp, Permanent Baby Snowpants, Idiot City
-Review by FlightOfIcarus
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