Knights Of The Abyss - Juggernaut - 06.08.07

With a deluxe production parading every unpleasant nuance of what KOTA can do, their debut leaves no stone unturned, or more aptly: pulverised. Guitars crunch and squeal to great affect, and joined by a booming bass, classy spazzed-out drums, a sepulchral growl from fill-in vocalist Dustin Hadlock, not to mention some devious song arrangements, it’s a smart blueprint for a successful exercise in musical oppression lying somewhere between The Acacia Strain, A Life Once Lost and Meshuggah.

Featuring drummer Andy Rysdam (ex-sticksman from fellow Arizonian mentalists Job For A Cowboy) now amongst the ranks, this outfit presumably have the experience to know what it takes to avoid certain forays into metalcore bandwagon hopping. But possessing a little something extra hidden under the hood of their ‘Juggernaut’ holds them in good stead for the future; namely, the ability to actually pen songs amongst the dirge.


Verdict :

JIM BURT