Scattered Hamlet will release their new album ‘Swamp Rebel Machine’ on Nov. 4. This is a southern biker rock band with a hefty dose of metal on top.
Scattered Hamlet is a self-proclaimed ‘honky tonk metal’ band. The four-member group previously released an EP entitled Hillbilly Harmony and a full-length album called Skeleton Dixie. Their latest endeavor fuses metal and southern biker rock to produce intense and driving tracks. Swamp Rebel Machine is an unapologetically aggressive record.
“Battle Hymn” opens Swamp Rebel Machine with Rob Zombie-style old vocal overlays. The technique is effective in its application here and is quickly followed by engaging percussion. A well-produced track, “Battle Hymn” is an unselfconscious door-busting song.
Next on the album is “Whip-Poor-Will.” A familiarity hangs around this song, likely due to copious nods toward classic metal and biker rock. However, the execution does not feel worn-out. Mosh pits will certainly erupt during this track. Following “Whip-Poor-Will” is “Stonewall Jackson.” The opening hints that these guys do not take themselves overly seriously. However, the subject mater takes a sudden turn – as the title suggests. Giving listeners pause, it is difficult to make out lyrics clearly enough to determine what statement they are trying to make.
Scattered Hamlet and fusion metal
Songs such as “Four Barrel Mojo,” “Outlaw Breed” and “Buchshot” are full sounding metal fusion cuts. “White Trash” follows in the same vein, with a simple concept and anthem-like execution. The highlight of this track is a break in which Jake Delling Le Bas on drums and Adam Newell on guitar demonstrate their capabilities.
The title track on Swamp Rebel Machine opens like a calm night on the Bayou – which subsequently breaks out into a bike rally. “Swamp Rebel Machine” is at home in a dark bar where the staff blows fire. A sensibility reminiscent of Saliva, circa “Ladies and Gentlemen,” permeates this track.
“Green Bastard (feat. Johnny T. Crash)” has a somewhat punk undertone sprinkled throughout the fast and chorus-heavy tune. The associated rhythm quickly gets stuck in listener’s heads, thanks in part to great string work. Next, “Rimfire” changes the pace a bit with a harmonica opening from Adam Joad. However, it quickly jumps back into Scattered Hamlets now-familiar sound. Vocals in this track demonstrate rock chops, while the bass gets a moment or two to really shine.
Closing out Swamp Rebel Machine is “The Lesson.” By far the longest track on this album, Scattered Hamlet went all-out on this heavy rock/metal track. It is sure to be a success at live shows.
Scattered Hamlet delivers a solid combination of catchy, growling and driving sounds on Swamp Rebel Machine. Not for the feint of heart, this heavy fusion group produces great force in their performance.