Gamma Knife (Kayo Dot album)

Gamma Knife
Studio album by Kayo Dot
Released	January 4, 2012
Recorded	Live at Littlefield Brooklyn, New York in 2011
Genre	Avant-garde metal, post-metal, jazz fusion, chamber music
Length	30:36
Label	Ice Level Records
Producer	Toby Driver, Randall Dunn
Kayo Dot chronology
Coyote (2010) Gamma Knife (2012) Hubardo (2013)

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
SputnikMusic	[1]

Gamma Knife (or Gamma Knife/Grey Dream) is the fifth album by avant-garde metal group Kayo Dot. The album was self-released independently through Driver's Ice Level Records via Bandcamp on January 4, 2012 after a crowdfunding project via Kickstarter and leaving Hydra Head Records. It was recorded live mostly at Brooklyn, New York venue Littlefield on October 5, 2011 despite also being partially recorded at frontman Toby Driver's residence in late 2011. It was mixed and mastered by longtime producer Randall Dunn, notable for producing numerous Sunn O))) albums.^[2] It is notable for beginning the return to Driver's metal roots and features growled and screaming vocals for the first time since Choirs of the Eye. SputnikMusic gave the album a 3.5/5, stating that "for the first time in years, Kayo Dot feels musically relevant."^[3]

The official name of the album is Gamma Knife however the CD versions of the albums are titled Gamma Knife/Grey Dream. The vinyl and CD copies are both available via the group's Bandcamp.^[4]

Track listing

All songs and lyrics written by Toby Driver.

Credits

• Toby Driver - vocals, bass, guitar, keyboards
• Terran Olson - alto sax
• Daniel Means - alto sax
• Keith Abrams - drums
• Mia Matsumiya - violin
• Tim Byrnes - mellotron
• Ron Varod - audience direction
• David Bodie - percussion

References