Ahhh, Krakatoa. I did a feature about these guys on the old version of my site five years ago, but I've been an immense fan for almost a decade now, despite the fact that the band only recorded like nine damn songs throughout their on and off eight-year existence: One 7", and one (barely) full-length CD. The band formed in 1992 (originally called Engine) and initially played their final show in 1993—which was also the very first show for guitarist Carl Skildum's other band, Threadbare (who released two incredible EP's of their own that I'll also be featuring here at some point); while vocalist Dave Walker went on to join Harvest.
This particular 7" was recorded in 1995 when the four original band members were back in town together and decided to come up with some new material, all of which was written and recorded within just two weeks. Shockingly enough they never intended to release the stuff because apparently they're insane and don't realize that this mere project is also one of the greatest bands ever to have graced the earth, but thankfully Second Nature Recordings got wind of it and released the two songs as the "Clouds Burned by Sunshine" EP in 1996. (Gracious thanks to Dan Askew for having superb taste.) I remember buying this 7" on a whim shortly after it came out, and to this day it remains the single most played piece of vinyl in my collection. The songs are intensely emotional, creatively melodic, and yet still aggressive: Screaming, singing, whispering, chunky rhythms, clean passages, wicked lead breaks... it's all here, and it's all amazing.
The individual members reunited again years later, releasing the almighty "Channel Static Blackout" CD in 2000, also on Second Nature Recordings. (Thanks again, Dan!) The CD follows suit with the EP and offers up seven more tracks of incredibly powerful, absolutely inventive metallic hardcore: Perhaps you can pick up a few influences here and there, but there is absolutely no other band that sounds like Krakatoa. Carl Skildum is, in my opinion, one of the most talented songwriters I've ever heard, and it pains me that most all of his work has been so criminally underrated. The man can simply do no wrong...
But while I absolutely adored Threadbare, Krakatoa is just the kind of stuff that makes me furious at how immeasurably shitty and insincere some of the most popular metalcore bands are these days—especially when material like this, which is basically genius, has been largely ignored over the years since the band was basically an aside that never toured or anything. No shit, though, from a songwriting standpoint Krakatoa crushes almost any other band of its kind:
1. "Eclipse"
2. "Indulgence"
Remarkably the 7" is still available:
However, I also wholeheartedly recommend the full-length. I still very much contend that they should've tacked on the 7" tracks to the CD as a bonus, but nevertheless it's worth every fucking penny. (And you can find it for peanuts used because, once again, people are fucking stupid!)
Comments
woo! hey andrew.
the blog looks great. keep it up. :)
-audrey!
6.3.2005 | By Anonymous
I gotta say, you’re spot on about this Krakatoa. Top-quality stuff.
6.4.2005 | By Smith
fuck yeah Andrew, I passed on this years ago when I heard of it’s release thinking it would be a Harvest clone. I had no idea. These guys kill. Thanks for the info and posting the 7”
6.7.2005 | By Jesse
Upon first listen I swore I would hate these guys given my distaste for that particular singing style but fuck, this is damn good stuff. The singer can actually pull off the whole emotional hardcore vocal without sounding like some obnoxious needy prick, much to my amazement. Thanks for sharing.
6.9.2005 | By James
Not too long after that last CD came out (but long after the band was really done) singer Dave and bassist Roman started another band: Season of Fire (with Steve drummer of Bodies Lay Broken and guitarist Kevin who is now in Comeback Kid). Anyway, SOF was more Harvest than Krakatoa, but it had it’s moments. Roman is nearly as great a bassist as Karl is a guitarist.
After SOF broke up karl joined Dave and guitarist kevin to form the good fight - which was basically a faster version of SOF.
Most of the stuff is fairly marginal when compared to Krakatoa, but for you completest types - check it out
6.12.2005 | By Anonymous
Absolutely right-on. Krakatoa are by far one of the most original bands to have ever graced the landscape of hardcore. I still regularly listen to their full-length, which keeps on amazing me. At one point I was a huge Harvest fan, but as their songs now seem a bit outdated, this is definitely not the case with Channel Static Blackout.
It’s been ages since I put the 7” on though, so thanx for the tunes Andrew!
6.13.2005 | By Jan
Thanks for the kind words about Krakatoa and this 7”. This was a fun record to make - as Andrew mentioned, it was two weeks from the idea of getting together again to the actual recording session, and things just ended up working out much better than we expected. It was recorded on a mere 8 tracks by Jamie Woolford who later went on to be a member of Harvest very briefly, and then went on to form The Stereo.
Thanks for the post Andrew and thanks to everyone for checking it out.
-Carl Skildum / Krakatoa
6.18.2005 | By Carl Skildum
As someone who loves metalcore in all its forms, this was some interesting stuff. I don’t know if you do, but considering that I’m still having a hard time finding both Rorschach and Deadguy CDs around here in Sweden (and not having a credit card to pay foreign distros with), a taste of those bands would be hugely appreciated.
6.19.2005 | By Gabriel
Wow, guys. Thank you so much for everything you’ve said. The music we made is still very close to my heart and I think it’s the best work I’ve ever done; SOF is a close second. ;) It is great to know that people still enjoy the power and emotion that was Krakatoa. I still have dreams of a 3rd reunion. Hehe…
Take care, and thanks again.
- Roman Richardson / Krakatoa
8.2.2005 | By Roman Richardson
and we have 2007 by now, and i’m still amazed by Clouds Burned…
one of the best ever…
5.24.2007 | By Tomek (Poland)
I’ve been wanting to hear this band for a while now. Problem is I kept forgetting the damn name and could never find it . I got a copy of the cd the other night that Dave gave me at the Harvest show and it has made the regular rotation along with Harvest and all the other music I listen to on a daily basis . It’s amazing , I thought Threadbare was awesome too but I gotta say this is better . Harvest is one of my favorite bands of all time and the Transitions is played daily in my car and I can see this record 13 years down the road getting as much play and meaning just as much to me as Harvest has meant . If you haven’t heard this record get a copy and prepare yourself , you might get addicted
12.11.2012 | By JimmyDTragicFigure