Originally written by Jason Jordan.
Unless you’re a hardcore fan of Knut, then the remix album known as Alter isn’t going to do much for you. However, the best way to learn all about the cast of characters on the disc is to visit the HydraHead e-store and read the credentials of each and every remix artist. It’s riveting stuff. Anyway, remix records are a tough sell I think, because most of the time they’re boring. Even with high-profile releases from big-name groups such as Fear Factory and Isis, the original material shines through just enough to remind you that you’d rather be listening to the unaltered incarnation, or the original material drowns in a sea of buzzes, blips, and boops. The trend, unfortunately, continues on Alter.
In all honesty, there are only a handful of Knut remixes that I’d ever listen to recreationally – most of these are too drawn-out, uninteresting, or a combination of both. While the technique of certain artists is commendable for any number of reasons, several tunes come across as overly dense. On the flip side, however, is JK Broadrick’s (Jesu, ex-Godflesh) “H/armless,” which features the trademark electronic tones recognizable on Jesu’s full body of work. Like a large, slow-moving aircraft, the song takes its time cutting through the air, and is occasionally punctuated with a breakneck transition before returning to its normal pace.
Perhaps the most intriguing track of all is “Karn Boys” – developed by the team of Oren Ambarchi (SunnO)))) + Robin Fox + Anthony Pateras. Ever want to hear what a song would sound like in a blender? Well, look no further. Lad + Andres, presenting “Engine Pillsmix,” know what they’re doing, too. Out of the 14, though, there simply aren’t that many remixes I could see myself returning to in the future. Rather than “waste” your money on Alter, plop it down for the Botch-meets-Neurosis Terraformer, or something else on HydraHead. More often than not, both Knut and HydraHead offer quality.
