This Machine Still Kills Fascists cover

This Machine Still Kills Fascists

Dropkick Murphys · 2022

30 min · 10 tracks · Celtic punk

An energetic blend of Celtic punk, folk melodies, and socially conscious lyrics that resonate with a spirit of resistance.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Two 6’s Upside Down Start here — The opening track immediately sets the tone with its infectious energy and a call to arms against oppression, encapsulating the album's core message.
  • →
    Talking Jukebox — This track cleverly intertwines nostalgia with contemporary issues, showcasing the band's ability to merge personal storytelling with broader social critiques.
  • →
    Dig a Hole — As a standout anthem for resilience, this song features driving instrumentals that evoke a sense of urgency in confronting societal challenges.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends Celtic punk with socially conscious lyrics, showcasing strong craftsmanship and thematic cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a high energy level, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down slightly in the latter tracks.
  • Several songs feature traditional Celtic instrumentation, such as fiddles and bagpipes, alongside punk rock elements like electric guitars and driving drums.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
  • raucous energy for gatherings
  • short bursts of rebellion
  • uplifting camaraderie with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy introspective pieces
  • seek slow, atmospheric soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Reflects continued vitality and commitment to activism in their later career.
Themes
Celtic resistance· social justice anthems· political activism· oppression narratives
Career context
Released on September 30, 2022, This Machine Still Kills Fascists marks Dropkick Murphys' eleventh studio album. At this point in their career, the band was celebrating over two decades of music while continuing to evolve their sound and message, notably focusing on themes of social justice and political activism.
Stylistic neighbors
Flogging Molly· The Pogues· Street Dogs

Tracklist

  • 1 Two 6’s Upside Down Start here 3:29
  • 2 Talking Jukebox 3:13
  • 3 Ten Times More 2:11
  • 4 Never Git Drunk No More 3:25
  • 5 All You Fonies 2:49
  • 6 The Last One 3:33
  • 7 Cadillac, Cadillac 2:53
  • 8 Waters Are A'risin 3:02
  • 9 Where Trouble Is At 2:33
  • 10 Dig a Hole 3:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata