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Review

Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Year of The Knife's 'No Love Lost' Album

Written By:
Alexia Abarca
Photography By:
Posted:
October 27, 2023
Photo By Cameron Nunez

Year of The Knife's forthcoming album, "No Love Lost," is a visceral and unapologetically relentless musical journey that showcases their evolution and resilience. Set to release on October 27th, 2023, via Pure Noise Records, this album is a succinct yet potent collection of nine lean and vicious tracks, collectively spanning a mere 20 minutes. The brevity of "No Love Lost" in no way diminishes its impact; in fact, it amplifies the sheer intensity that Year of The Knife delivers. The guiding hand of producer Kurt Ballou, known for his work with Nails, The Armed, and Code Orange, ensures that the album sounds truly massive. It's a sonic behemoth, merging influences from hardcore and death metal into a crushing amalgamation that demands your undivided attention and leaves an indelible mark on your psyche.

The two singles, "Wish" and "Last Laugh," are exhilarating bursts of aggression, each lasting less than a minute. These tracks exemplify Year of The Knife's dedication to tight, focused songwriting, serving as a testament to their musical prowess and their ability to convey a storm of emotions in the shortest of timeframes. The album's influence spans hardcore and death metal, making it a relentless experience that demands your attention.

What makes "No Love Lost" even more poignant is the context of the band's recent van accident in June. All four band members suffered severe injuries, with vocalist Madison Watkins enduring a traumatic brain injury and multiple broken bones. The album takes on new meaning in light of their adversity, and the profits from its sales will go directly to supporting their ongoing recovery, making it a release that resonates on a profoundly human level.

Proceeds Going Directly To Band Members To Help with Recovery Efforts After Van Accident in June
Click Here to Preorder "No Love Lost"

photo by Cameron Nunez
" In approaching writing, it was an unspoken consensus that our new lineup opened the door to evolve our sound even further. The overall dynamic, individual influences, and equal contribution between the four of us birthed something beyond anything we’ve done before..." - Andrew Kisielewski [Drummer]

The album marks Madison Watkins' significant debut, and she delivers a standout performance despite her recent challenges. Despite the challenges she has faced, her vocal delivery is nothing short of outstanding. The collaborative songwriting process on this record reveals the band's diverse musical influences, showcasing their willingness to explore new territories while retaining their core identity. The tracklist for "No Love Lost" promises a relentless listening experience, with songs like "Sometimes," "Alice," "Heaven Denied," and "No Love Lost" likely to leave a lasting impact. Each track carries a unique weight, combining elements of rage, introspection, and unapologetic intensity. With the band members showing remarkable progress in their recovery, this album embodies their tenacity and passion for their craft.

In summary, "No Love Lost" by Year of The Knife is not just an album; it is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. With its fusion of hardcore and death metal influences and its brief yet powerful tracks, this album is poised to leave an indelible mark on the hardcore and metal scenes. It encapsulates the band's tenacity, passion, and unwavering dedication to their craft, making it a must-listen for all fans of heavy music.

about the author

Alexia Abarca

she/her
lexi@punkagandapress.com
Los Angeles, CA
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