The HAARP Machine originates from the Unites Kingdom and is formed by members Michael Semesky (vocals), Abdullah Al Mu’min (guitar), Oliver Rooney (bass), and Alex Rüdinger (drums).

What The HAARP Machine does that is so shocking is an influx of instruments from India combined with technical death metal. Included are the sitar, tabla (drums), and Indian flutes. Mixing both solo and blends of the instruments with the original band’s sound makes a purely unique blend that most likely hasn’t been heard before. The first track opens with a sitar solo and has an outro of the tabla and a shaker. The second tune “Lower the Populace” has a feature of Indian flutes and the sitar as breaks in between the growling verses.

The third song, “Pleiadian Keys”, accumulates all of the previous experimentations and is a great balance of both worlds while making it feel almost unnoticed that the ethnic instruments are even present. The most headbang worthy song is the fourth one, “From Vanity to Utility”, showcasing blast beats and plenty of double bass with an odd ending of a piano playing.

The album has plenty of your growling vocals and nice transitions to a more crooning feel chorus on most of the songs. The HARP Machine have definitely reinvented this genre and demand attention on their first three songs. Although the drums and percussion seem to overpower the rest of the band’s instruments and vocals, they seem to be the driving force behind the band’s sound. Also a common theme with the softer sections of the songs tend to fall right in the middle giving a nice rest from the sheer technicality that the band showcases.