By: Brett VanPut
uitarist Michael Knight has been playing metal since being a part of the
band Ricochet back in the late eighties. He released his solo debut,
Dreamscapes back in 1994 and operated his own metal magazine while also
writing screenplays. In recent years Michael's been even more prolific in
bringing the metal. Another solo album (Mechanica Diablo) came out in 2002
and Michael hooked up with ex-Ricochet bandmate and bassist Curt Robinson in
the band Skulgrinder. Skulgrinder released one crushing album of power metal
(Island of Lost Souls) and now Michael has another new solo album in the
form of Electric Horrorland.
I've been a big fan of Michael Knight's music and I loved the Skulgrinder
album. Even though his other two albums were instrumental, they always were
interesting. On Electric Horrorland, Michael's easily created his best music
with his best production. "Twisted Metal" starts off the album and it's
Michael's fastest and heaviest song yet. "Soul Scorcher" and "Carnivore"
both are fast paced with crunchy riffing. After a segue ("Stalk"), "Resident
Evil" kicks in and it's got some great riffs, but it's actually the various
different styles Michael incorporates into his playing that makes this song
special. Michael shows his dark side on the segue "Electric Horrorland" and
closer "Watcher in the Woods." I can't help but think of Coroner's "Grin" as
I listen to "Shadow Creeper."
Electric Horrorland is one of the best instrumental albums I've ever heard.
Michael Knight shreds with the best of them, but it's his catchy and heavy
riffs that make his albums special and he's never been better.
Album Score: 9 out of 10
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Vol. 16, No. 6: Apr.-May 2012
