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RADIANT KNIFE Unveils Title Track from New Album “Sankalpa”
RADIANT KNIFE Pushes Math Metal Further
Louisiana-based experimental metal duo RADIANT KNIFE are preparing to independently release their sixth studio album, “Sankalpa,” on November 13, 2026. The first single, the album’s title track, is now streaming.
The track ‘Sankalpa’, according to the band, serves as the instrumental centerpiece of the album and most directly embodies its overall atmosphere. The track premiered via Decibel Magazine.
Running for more than eight minutes, the track brings the band’s roots in the math metal approach of the 1990s to the forefront before gradually evolving into a dense riff mantra. The layered guitars of Stephen Sheppert add a more atmospheric character over the top. RADIANT KNIFE specifically cite bands such as Keelhaul and Dazzling Killmen, as well as the influence of Pink Floyd, as reference points for the track.
The album’s title, “Sankalpa,” is a Sanskrit term meaning “a solemn vow,” “a heart-led intention,” or “a deep inner resolve.” The concept also corresponds with the more melancholic atmosphere that comes to the fore across the band’s new work.
Following their 2023 album “Pressure,” RADIANT KNIFE’s “Sankalpa” does not completely abandon the gritty and off-kilter approach of its predecessor, but instead moves toward a more pronounced emphasis on groove, melody, layering, and texture. Dueling guitars, atmospheric synth textures, floating vocals, and dense rhythm guitars form the album’s core sonic character.
The duo describe the new album as a record that moves between “grim acoustic ballads” and math metal riffs, bringing their various musical tangents together as a cohesive whole. Its musical reference points include Dazzling Killmen and King Crimson, alongside Hum, Elder, and Russian Circles.
“Sankalpa” will mark the sixth release of RADIANT KNIFE’s more than decade-long career. Stephen Sheppert handles guitars, synth, and vocals, while Greg Travasos continues on drums. The album artwork was created by Terry Grow, while Sheppert recorded, mixed, and mastered the record at Starless Sound.
“Sankalpa” will be released across all digital platforms on November 13, 2026. Preorders for the album are available through the band’s Bandcamp page.
“Sankalpa” Track Listing
‘Amber Waves’
‘Crystal Oscillation’
‘Disciple Of The Astral Plane’
‘Down On The River Bank’
‘Sankalpa’
‘Consciousness As The Foundation Of Reality’
‘Bewailer’
‘Through The Heliopause’
‘Bones’
‘On The Mend’
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