REVIEW: Kusanagi - Paramnesia

Eclectic Liverpool-based band Kusanagi have returned with their latest work, and it's one that pushes the boundaries of post-rock and math-rock to their absolute limits. Being exclusively instrumental, the band promises with each release to foster an unforgettable experience packed with prominent riffs, touching breakdowns and new soundscapes.

Their new album, titled Paramnesia, is a blend of intricate melodies that are often expressed only by guitars, drums and bass. This is shown off across eight unique tracks, and it promises a new viewpoint of the band’s take on post-rock and math-rock, as there are no vocals in the way. From the opening track, 'Night Symmetry', the guitars are often the most prominent instruments, playing with intricate melodies and various harmonies, creating a unique storyline. The song starts in a very pompous tone and serves as a welcoming introduction to the world of Kusanagi. Transitioning right into a dreamlike melody full of intricate guitar riffs, only to go into a mesmerising bridge, and then continue with the dream-like sound again, the band was able to capture the essence of the song title with a precision, prompting the listener to not only listen to their tracks, but in some way to also feel them with their whole body.

Another track from the album that is well worth mentioning is track four, 'Equilibria'. As the name of the song suggests, the track invokes a state of mental balance, which the band created cleverly by using irregular time signatures and complex rhythms. It is a well executed track with a simple yet addictive melody, that pushes the listener to listen to it repeatedly, as it always uncovers something new and surprising.

Changing the pace of the album a little bit, 'Physics of Colour' aims for a quicker pace, simulating the ever changing colours. Heavily using cymbals throughout the length of the piece, the band creates a vision of the colours moving around with the beat, changing directions and shapes. It is a lively piece with a warm sound, and it is bound to grab the attention of listeners from the first notes.

Although the album can seem repetitive, particularly in some specific guitar riffs, melodies and rhythms, it is still a solid piece that offers a unique perspective into the possibilities of math rock and post-rock. Showing the listener that the genre can be utilised even with no lyrics, and still being interesting and challenging, is Kusanagi's home turf by now, and with each release the band grips tighter on their rightful position as a revolutionary project that's not afraid to take matters into their own hands, and push the boundaries of well established culture. Paramnesia surely is a must-listen for anyone looking for new sounds to add to their daily playlist.

Score: 7/10

Paramnesia was released on May 30th 2025.

Words: Katerina Stepanikova

Photos: Kusanagi