Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Knut - Challenger (2002)
One last band for me to check out in my early essential expedition is Knut. Sadly I came here after the passing of vocalist Didier Séverin, but with such a perfect album as Challenger, this positive review would be a nice blessing for his legacy. And better late than never, right? RIP...
Lots of cool stuff you can find from Switzerland including metal bands Coroner, Samael, and Eluveitie, along with Tolberlone's triangular chocolates and Swiss Army Knives. Initially, the band only gained attention in Europe, but they would then be heard of in America thanks to Hydra Head Records releasing their first two releases. Challenger is an album that would challenge the Northern lands with unexpected expectations from their sludgy mathcore sound!
Straight on into pummeling madness, the wacky "Whacked Out" opens the album with discordant guitar and thick bass before a Botch-like math-metalcore groove. The chaotic guitar flows through frantic drumming and heavy rhythm. "Repressed" has guitars alternating from high to low, even going far into grindcore. "El Niño" has some Coalesce-powered groove as well. The guitars and drums fight for the main control, impressive building up to more of that chaotic frenzy. There's more of that fury to come later on, if you're up for more of this challenge...
"Bite the Bullet" bites down on the usual mathcore antics, leading up to an incredible ending breakdown. Next track "Neon Guide" slows things down close to black-doom. Don't take it the wrong way though, this ain't Woods of Ypres (another band with a fallen frontman, RIP). It sounds more towards the style of Neurosis and Cult of Luna at that time, reminding me of the latter's self-titled debut. "H/Armless" continues the slow intensity with tearing vocals.
"58.788" is cleaner with melodic yet distorted guitar and voice samples. "Ice Will" brings back the earlier pounding chaos. The closing track "March" is a 20-minute math-metalcore epic (almost as long as the entire Coalesce's Functioning on Impatience), filled with tempo changes, complex drums, and elevating intensity. Incredible!
All in all, it is expected to be unexpected. The intense music has evolved into one of the best albums I've heard of sludgy mathcore. This excellent music will catch your ears with this pummeling record. It should really be picked up by fans of that sound, especially Neurosis, Keelhaul, and Cult of Luna. Add some sludge spice into your metallic hardcore with the perfect challenge that is Challenger!
Favorites: "Whacked Out", "El Niño", "Neon Guide", "Ice Will", "March"