HKSPK is on the hunt for fresh meat.
Formed in 2023 by Leon (guitar), Jim Tonik (guitar/vocals), and Arne (drums) in Germany, the band whose acronym stands for “Hello Kitti Scum Porn Killer” released their debut album in 2024, quickly followed by an EP, The Human Butcher.
A German sample welcomes us on Blood Penis before the riffs take over to create a particularly heavy and unhealthy sound, quickly joined by roars that accentuate the oppressive atmosphere. The rhythm is simple but catchy, but the band speeds up slightly before offering a catchy groove on Schwanzløses Gesindel, a rather dissonant track that complements its natural aggression with demonic screams and a particularly specific subject matter. In terms of riffs, the approach remains fairly martial and massive despite a short passage in clear sound, then Zur letzten Rauhnacht invokes Black Metal’s roots to immediately ignite and offer us a veritable tidal wave. The mystical melodies sometimes slow down the mix, but the true nature of the track has been forged in pure violence, and it always comes back to express itself before an epic final that leads to the brutal and eponymous Human Butcher, which starts off with a bang. The track is short, but it wastes no time in trampling us with all its might before giving way to Nocturnal Beheading, which first grants us a moment of respite before unleashing its coldness, drawing on the roots of darkness with a clear break before finally disappearing.
HKSPK‘s brutal roots will be clear to Black/Death fans, making The Human Butcher a somewhat short but enjoyable EP for those who are drawn to macabre violence.
75/100