Gamma Knife (album)

Gamma Knife
Studio album by
ReleasedJanuary 4, 2012
RecordedOctober–late 2011
VenueLittlefield, Brooklyn, New York (October 5)
GenreAvant-garde metal, avant-rock, black metal, jazz fusion[1]
Length30:36
LabelIce Level Music
ProducerToby Driver, Randall Dunn
Kayo Dot chronology
Coyote
(2010)
Gamma Knife
(2012)
Hubardo
(2013)

Gamma Knife (or Gamma Knife/Grey Dream) is the fifth studio album by American avant-garde metal band Kayo Dot. The album was self-released through frontman Toby Driver's Ice Level Music via Bandcamp on January 4, 2012, following the group's departure from Hydra Head Records. It was later released by another record company, Antithetic Records on CD and LP. The lineup remained the same, except Kim Abrams played drums on the album.[2] Gamma Knife was received critically better than the past few albums, as SputnikMusic gave it a 3.5/5 and said "for the first time in years, Kayo Dot feels musically relevant."[3]

The bulk of the album was recorded live at Brooklyn, New York venue Littlefield on October 5, 2011,[4] with the remainder recorded at Driver's residence in late 2011. It was mixed by longtime producer Randall Dunn.[5] It is notable for beginning the return to Driver's metal roots and harsh vocals used in Choirs of the Eye. The vinyl and CD copies are both available via the group's Bandcamp.[6]

  1. ^ "Kayo Dot – Gamma Knife". heavypop.at. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
  2. ^ "Kayo Dot North American tour". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  3. ^ "Review: Kayo Dot – Gamma Knife". Sputnikmusic.com. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  4. ^ Maltz, Aaron (January 27, 2012). "Review: Kayo Dot – Gamma Knife". Invisible Oranges. Archived from the original on February 1, 2012. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  5. ^ Kayo Dot Gamma Knife Bandcamp
  6. ^ Kayo Dot Gamma Knife Bandcamp