We're not sure exactly when the hurdy gurdy joined the ranks of great metal instruments, but we like it anyway. In the right hands, this deeply weird gizmo – one part violin, one part coffee grinder, one part wheezing sheep – can add some serious medieval vibes to even the ordinariest songs.
Michalina Malisz is metal’s own queen of the hurdy gurdy. As well as being a member of folk-metal flagbearers Eluveitie, she’s also got a sideline performing classic riffs on her instrument of choice.
Having already served up killer versions of vintage Black Sabbath, Metallica and System Of A Down riffs, she’s now turned her attention to Slipknot.
In her latest video, Michalina reimagines five stone cold ’Knot classics - step forward, The Devil In I, Psychosocial, Before I Forget, Dead Memories and Unsainted.
What they lack in dead crow-huffing lunacy, they make up in for in sheer strangeness – it’s not hard to imagine a bunch of 15th century peasants getting their party on to this.
The maggots clearly approve. I'm not even ashamed to admit that I headbanged to Psychosocial played on a hurdy gurdy,” says ‘Dr Voodoo’ in the comments.
Us to, pal. Now, where did we put that flagon of mead and roast suckling pig? We're in the mood for a party.
