KNIFE
KNIFE “Heaven Into Dust”
By Dr. Abner Mality
This one was so under the radar that it almost sailed by me completely. Even Napalm Records didn’t seem to draw attention to it. I’m glad I gave it a listen because this KNIFE stabs you right between the eyes...or rather, ears.
They play a raw and punky kind of speed metal that mixes various influences. Sometimes they sound like the faster MOTÖRHEAD, sometimes they motor along like MIDNIGHT, and sometimes they even sound like old German speed metal. The one commonality is it’s all fast as fuck and twice as dirty. The shrieking vocals of Vince Nihil can get a bit tiresome at times, but overall, they fit the mood pretty well.
They come in fast and rocking with “Hawks of Hades” and proceed to let it rip from there. Sound is greasy and gritty, not too overdone. Lots of good stuff...the title track smokes with thrashy overtones, “Night Vision” sounds like MOTÖRHEAD meets WOLFBRIGADE, “With Torches They March” is a bit slower and chunkier but still power-packed. They absolutely save the best for last with “No Gods In the Dark”….this ranks with the absolute best of MIDNIGHT and is such a scorching speed/punk metal track.
Some wounds you will treasure and the one that KNIFE leaves is one of them. Do not let this go by unnoticed…