HELL SPET - Killer Machine

Release date January 5, 2020 (Epidemic Records/Bandcamp)

For years I've loved how Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys have utilized mandolin and banjo in their folk punk releases wondering when a band would use the same instrumentation on a folk metal album. So, it's no surprise that when I came across Hell Spet's Killer Machine release I knew within its first five seconds that this was going to be right up my alley.

Opener "You'll Fall" starts out with a quick-picking banjo refrain before drums and guitar kick in announcing that finally a metal band has caught on to the charms of these folk instruments. While the guitar is admittedly somewhat buried, allowing the mandolin and banjo to take centre stage, there's no question that there's enough heft here to be labelled folk metal (rather than folk). The earthy lead vox (think Korpiklaani's Jonne Jarvela) and the team-shout backing vocals will draw you in, while the rhythms will get your toes tappin'. Containing ten tracks over twenty-nine minutes, Killer Machine proves to be a quick paced, fun romp that'll put a smile on your face (like Korpiklaani's records used to).

Warning - be ready to reach for your air banjo and stretch the neck muscles if you plan to check this out. Simply a blast!

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