ALBUM REVIEW: Det Svenska Hatet – Ett Dödens Maskineri

For a country with a population of just 10 million, Sweden produces a staggering number of heavy bands. Second only to Finland in the rankings of metal bands per capita with 37 per 100,000 people (for comparison the UK has only five per the same amount), the land of Ikea and ABBA has not only birthed some world-beating acts, but also created more than a few of its own iconic genres. Melodic death metal, death ‘n’ roll and d-beat are all of Sweden origin, the last of which gets a fresh spin on Det Svenska Hatet, the debut album by ETT DÖDENS MASKINERI.

A fusion of thrash metal aggression and street punk attitude, d-beat (also known as ‘kängpunk’, or ‘boot-punk’, in Sweden) was developed in the early 80’s by pioneers ANTI CIMEX and RUDE KIDS, then perfected a decade later by DISFEAR, TOTALITÄR, WOLFBRIGADE and numerous others who fused the sound with the filthy sensibilities of crust punk. Named after its distinctive urgent and militaristic drum beat, other genre signifiers include feral vocals, grinding guitars and furious, incendiary political lyrics. ETT DÖDENS MASKINERI proudly follow in this lineage, but put a more nuanced, contemporary and elegant spin on this most unfussy and bare-bones of genres.

What’s immediately noticeable about Det Svenska Hatet (translation: ‘The Swedish Hate’) is its crisp and clean production. Unlike much of its influences, the album isn’t comprised of clipped guitars, muddy drums and shrieked vocals, instead it more resembles a Kurt Ballou production, with its crystal-clear cymbals and brittle guitars. This is crust punk in spirit, but not always in form. There’s too much sonic variation, too much nuance and control. 

None of which is to say Det Svenska Hatet lacks bite or guile. Leviatan and Röda Stugor Med Ruttnande Knutar brim with an especially nervous energy, like a snarling guard dog attached to an increasingly loose chain. Trygghet & Tradition is the album’s shortest and ‘punkiest’ track, possessing a fist-swinging momentum and a strong guest appearance by Kapten Grå of LASTKAJ 14. These tracks work like gangbusters, and more than affirm ETT DÖDENS MASKINERI savage punk credibility.

But what makes Det Svenska Hatet most special is its surprising level of emotional engagement. Album highlight Istid is genuinely beautiful, driven by heartwrenching guitar octaves and a clean, chiming section that recalls TOUCHE AMORE at their most impassioned. Multiple tracks also have real anthemic qualities, Låsta Dörrar is RUINER or even DEFEATER-like in its intensity, as is Sveg and its structure that seems to buckle and collapse under its own pressure. Most impressive is that they work without even understanding the all-Swedish lyrics, the music manages to form its own emotional language that obliterates any linguistic barriers.

A really strong, confident album, Det Svenska Hatet is a work of searing, nervous energy, stripped down and brittle, with its beating heart lying open in its chest for all to see. ETT DÖDENS MASKINERI manage to do their grand lineage and influences proud, and deserve to find success beyond their homeland, as long as they can continue to produce works that are this riveting and engaging.

Rating: 8/10

Det Svenska Hatet is out now via Suicide Records.

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