Wizard Tattoo - One of These Knives

Wizard Tattoo is an Indianapolis-based progressive metal project from multi-instrumentalist Bram the Bard.  The project blends in a ton of different styles....doom, progressive, black metal, jazz, and even grunge all find a place in this project's highly unique approach.  

I reviewed their precious EP, “Living Just For Dying,” and found it to be a challenging but rewarding listen.  So what about their newest EP, “One of These Knives?” Like always, the band runs through a gauntlet of styles both metal and not-so-metal.  No matter what they choose to play, it’s always interesting because of their exemplary songwriting skills.  

This is a much darker piece of music and the band’s ability to look into this void while still laughing in its face to bring us this EP’s many twists and turns is impressive.  The first song, “Varsak of Man,” is an excellent metal song.   The bass stands out very well—melodic yet textured with robust Gothic heaviness.  I like the menacing vocals a lot—almost blackened in the way they spit out the lyrics with venomous fervor.   The groove is unique, an odd but well-executed combination of stoner metal and NWOBHM.  Yes, it is as catchy as it sounds!  

“A Wizard’s Blade,” is a much more laid-back experience in terms of presentation but it’s just as dark.  The instrumentation is clean but low and dour.  Djinnifer’s vocals are something else—seductive and mysterious yet not very far removed from dangerous and sultry.  This song has a folky vibe to it while being hazy and ethereal. 

Ok now things get weird—and I’m here for it.  “My Second Knife Fight,” opens with odd audio language that tells a very strange story.  The music is sort of…country yet there is a rock and roll vibe to it?  Yes?  Maybe?  Regardless, this unique song is entertaining.  Oh, and it rocks too, especially that solo!  After the halfway point, it takes an atmospheric turn with synths/keys and melodic bass.  Totally out of left field yet it works.  Why wouldn’t it?  Wizard Tattoo does whatever it wants to do and succeeds every time—this song is prime evidence of that fact.

The final song, “Edge of Reprisal,” is beautiful in the way it embraces bleak tones and a darkness that I’m going to call regal.  It’s a short instrumental but the perfect way to end the album.  Near the end, distortion can be heard creeping in before the song fades off…could this be a sign of things to come on their next release?  Hmmm.

Once again, Wizard Tattoo offers a short but sweet EP that steps outside the box—assuming they had one to begin with.  Anyone who likes music that marches to a different beat would do well to continue to follow this band on their strange but captivating journey.