GNOD & João Pais Filipe – 'Faca De Fogo' - Album Review

GNOD, The psychedelic noise rock collective, have recently fused together with Porto-based sound sculpture and percussionist João Pais Filipe. GNOD first met João at Milhoes De Festa event in Barcelos where they were instantly intrigued with a gong he created in the shape of a skateboard. After 3 days of rehearsals, 4 days of recording and a workshop full of different metals they released Faca De Fogo. The album is fabricated from GNOD’s quintessential dark and aggressive aura and João’s compelling percussion rhythms and textures creating a mystic journey through the different elements; earth, air, fire and water, that ties in with the track titles.

Each song skill-fully evokes an element guided. Examples such as in 'Faca de Terra' (earth) having an open spaced woodwind improvisation battled with complex polyrhythmic percussion and bass that feels as though I'm participating in a tribal ritual, or running from one. Additionally 'Faca de Fogo' (fire) harsh metal crashes, burnt out repetitive working drums and exasperated vocals placed me in a heated metal factory labouring my way though.

This astonishing album is a well constructed collaboration that creates a compelling ambience , drawing the listener into a new environment with each track provided.

-Max Facchinello-