Blab Music
Centrifugal Force Machine Prepares for High Water Mark Set and Second Album Release
Centrifugal Force Machine, the industrial solo project of Portland’s Court Knight, will take the stage at the city’s High Water Mark on July 23, 2026. Signed to Berlin‑based X‑IMG, Knight has carved out a niche with hard‑techno beats and dystopian lyrics that echo 1980s industrial aesthetics.
Knight burst onto the underground scene in 2025 with OBJECT PERMANENCE, followed by the OBLITERATE / COLLAPSE EP in early 2026. Both releases were distributed on Bandcamp and promoted through X‑IMG’s online channels, positioning CFM as a notable voice in warehouse‑style circuits and drawing comparisons to Berlin’s industrial output while keeping a distinctly Portland edge.
In an interview with Oregon Music News, Knight explained the origin of the project’s name. While studying for a mortician degree, she encountered the textbook term “centrifugal force machine” – the device that circulates embalming chemicals – and later adopted it as her moniker. She said the idea of a machine pumping chemicals through a body resonated with the sonic density of her tracks.
The interview also shed light on Knight’s background as a DJ for nine years before launching CFM. She cited early Alien films, the 2018 film Mandy, and The Matrix as key visual and sonic influences. When asked about travel habits, she revealed a ritual of visiting cemeteries in new cities, a detail that underscores the macabre themes present in her work.
Knight has never performed in a band; CFM is a solo endeavor. She described Portland’s hard‑techno scene as vibrant yet self‑contained, with artists focusing on community events rather than mainstream expansion. While she noted that the city could benefit from more hard‑techno and EBM shows, she added that the local scene already supports a range of underground acts.
The upcoming tour schedule is tight. After the July 23 High Water Mark performance, Knight will play Das Bunker’s Summer Massive event at Catch One in Los Angeles on August 1, followed by a show on September 12 at Luna Negra Goth Nights in Coachella, California. She confirmed that her second album is in production and is slated for a fall 2026 release.
Knight also mentioned that her promotion company and DJ night VANTABLACK have been discontinued, describing the venture as “buried in its coffin a long time ago” and signaling a shift toward music and touring.
High Water Mark will feature Mayray, Crash Davidian, and Sylphide, with CFM scheduled to perform at 8:30 p.m. The venue, located at 6800 Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in Portland, holds 21 + attendees and tickets are priced at $10.
According to the latest public statements, CFM’s next steps include finalizing the second album, completing the scheduled shows, and maintaining a presence on X‑IMG’s digital platforms. No additional releases, festival appearances, or licensing deals have been announced beyond the outlined dates.
The project’s trajectory illustrates a steady build within the niche industrial and hard‑techno communities, with a clear focus on underground venues and a dedicated fan base. The upcoming shows and forthcoming album are expected to reinforce CFM’s position as a key player in both Portland’s and Berlin’s industrial scenes.
Knight burst onto the underground scene in 2025 with OBJECT PERMANENCE, followed by the OBLITERATE / COLLAPSE EP in early 2026. Both releases were distributed on Bandcamp and promoted through X‑IMG’s online channels, positioning CFM as a notable voice in warehouse‑style circuits and drawing comparisons to Berlin’s industrial output while keeping a distinctly Portland edge.
In an interview with Oregon Music News, Knight explained the origin of the project’s name. While studying for a mortician degree, she encountered the textbook term “centrifugal force machine” – the device that circulates embalming chemicals – and later adopted it as her moniker. She said the idea of a machine pumping chemicals through a body resonated with the sonic density of her tracks.
The interview also shed light on Knight’s background as a DJ for nine years before launching CFM. She cited early Alien films, the 2018 film Mandy, and The Matrix as key visual and sonic influences. When asked about travel habits, she revealed a ritual of visiting cemeteries in new cities, a detail that underscores the macabre themes present in her work.
Knight has never performed in a band; CFM is a solo endeavor. She described Portland’s hard‑techno scene as vibrant yet self‑contained, with artists focusing on community events rather than mainstream expansion. While she noted that the city could benefit from more hard‑techno and EBM shows, she added that the local scene already supports a range of underground acts.
The upcoming tour schedule is tight. After the July 23 High Water Mark performance, Knight will play Das Bunker’s Summer Massive event at Catch One in Los Angeles on August 1, followed by a show on September 12 at Luna Negra Goth Nights in Coachella, California. She confirmed that her second album is in production and is slated for a fall 2026 release.
Knight also mentioned that her promotion company and DJ night VANTABLACK have been discontinued, describing the venture as “buried in its coffin a long time ago” and signaling a shift toward music and touring.
High Water Mark will feature Mayray, Crash Davidian, and Sylphide, with CFM scheduled to perform at 8:30 p.m. The venue, located at 6800 Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in Portland, holds 21 + attendees and tickets are priced at $10.
According to the latest public statements, CFM’s next steps include finalizing the second album, completing the scheduled shows, and maintaining a presence on X‑IMG’s digital platforms. No additional releases, festival appearances, or licensing deals have been announced beyond the outlined dates.
The project’s trajectory illustrates a steady build within the niche industrial and hard‑techno communities, with a clear focus on underground venues and a dedicated fan base. The upcoming shows and forthcoming album are expected to reinforce CFM’s position as a key player in both Portland’s and Berlin’s industrial scenes.
