Horror metal punks BLACK KNIFE came into being four years ago in Lexington, Kentucky. Since the release of their self-titled debut – as raw and nasty a piece of primitive metal punk as you’ll ever hear – the ghoulish trio have done split releases with LUSTRUM, Brazilian black thrashers WHIPSTRIKER, and the legendary ABIGAIL. Then in 2019 they released their second and much more polished full length album ‘Spell Caster’ on Husk Records, which alongside WRAITH’s ‘Absolute Power’ and HELLRIPPER’s ‘Black Arts & Alchemy’ stands as one of the best metal punk/black thrash albums of what was a very good year. With this in mind, I drew my protective circle on the ground with chalk and summoned up HELLWULV himself - wielder of the Sonic Whiplash and Lycanthropic Howler of the Night – to see if he would answer a few questions:
What were Black Knife’s main inspirations?
Mostly our influences come from combining
our favourite parts of Rock, Black Metal, and Punk. All things we love that
just mesh well with us.
The first album was very raw. Was that deliberate? And was the improvement in the sound of ‘Spell Caster’ a conscious decision?
The first album served more as a demo as we
were getting our footing as a band, so we were more or less just happy to have
something recorded. On ‘Spell Caster’ we were more calculated and had better
plan of attack. We had it professionally mastered at Sneak Attack Studios, unlike
the first demo that we just cranked up to 10 and called it good.
Do you prefer the old 80s bands with their ‘rugged’ sound, or does the newer stuff hold more appeal?
I like them both in their own way, but yes
I like the 80's and 90's stuff like old SEPULTURA and ONSLAUGHT and their raw
and honest charm the best.
How did your splits with WHIPSTRIKER and ABIGAIL come about?
We were very fortunate to have asked such
legendary killer bands and have them say yes. It usually started with me
pitching the idea and sending them a link to our music. Luckily they liked us
and said yes. We are honoured to share space with these guys!
What is the underground scene like in Kentucky?
To be honest, it is always changing. The
days of rad house shows are non-existent these days, but there are pockets of
hardworking bands, promoters, and clubs doing what they can to keep things cool
and interesting.
What is the most memorable thing ever to happen to BLACK KNIFE on the road?
Without a doubt our show in Chicago
recently. We take the stage and play the first note of the first song and a
massive car wreck happens and smashes a car all the way to the front door of
the venue with a lady in the car. There was blood and glass everywhere, and I
am quite sure the lady died. They took her away and I never found out. Very
intense stuff for sure.
There are a lot of bands playing Metalpunk these days. What does a band need to do to stand out?
That is very true. For us we just do what
we do and also take the parts of horror, themes of Satanism, murder, and all
things dark and use them as a tool for escapism and try our best to make it uniquely
BLACK KNIFE. Also a manic live show where we leave it all on the stage, and so
far people have received us very well.
How do the metal and punk scenes compare politically, and where does BLACK KNIFE stand?
We try to keep the subject matter a bit tongue and cheek and not deep dive into politics. Every now and then I will throw in a lyric being a piece of human dogshit, but safe to say that is old news at this point, haha! But mostly we stay away from hardcore politics and lean more to the Metal side lyrically.
How has COVID19 affected the band? And what are your plans for the future when it all blows over?
Much like every other band. We have cancelled
a few shows and a tour which is a huge bummer, but we are trying to use the
time wisely and put our heads down and work on a new album. We have made great
time with it so far and hope to hit the studio again in the next few months.
We plan to finish writing this album and record it asap, then talk to
potential labels about picking it up. So far I have released our stuff on my
small label, but a label with more distro etc. would be great for getting our
music in as many hands as possible. Also
we are booked on the TRANSPLANT FEST with MIDNIGHT and many other sick bands in
July, and we are hoping to play. Trying to get booked on more fests, and tour when
we can for sure.
Any further comments?
Just a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us so far, and we want to continue to grow, play more shows, tour, and meet as many of you as we can! Cheers!
Thanks to Josh Lay and BLACK KNIFE
J.Cooper
Copyright Metal Punk Inferno (2020)
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