Album Review: Pigs x7 - 'Death Hilarious'
Newcastle sludge metal maestros are back with a 45-minute journey through spacey riffs, Sabbath invoking grooves, and a surprise appearance from a hip-hop legend.
Originating from Newcastle in 2012, the five-piece released their first record Feed The Rats in 2017, followed closely by King Of Cowards in 2018, which landed the group lavish praise from fans and critics alike.
Their last record Land Of The Sleeper peaked at number 2 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums charts amid a vast array of more critical reception from major music publications for its "relentless intensity, unforgiving heft, and mesmeric miasma".
With their latest record Death Hilarious they strove for something more directly hostile, according to guitarist and producer Sam Grant, hoping to create a piece of work which condenses their vibrant live performances into something they can enjoy at home.
It kicks off with “Blockage”, a barrage of thrashy guitar chugging and eerie riffs, followed by the echoes of frontman Matt Baty’s vocals.
The lyrics on this record flourished from a bout of anxiety which derailed Baty’s self-confidence, to the extent where he wondered if he could ever write again, leaving him with no option but to face this unrest.
“After a while I realised this is my muse,” recalls Baty. “I decided to give all these thoughts an avenue to release themselves, in the hope of exorcising them.”
This ethos fit quite well with the manic and unforgiving nature of the sound the group were pursuing, attempting to tackle the issues facing modern society with “something real and felt” instead of the forced optimism which reverberate through pop culture.
The track “Detroit” features some otherworldly guitar tones, akin to a mysterious cloud hanging above the punchy drum and radiant bass patterns, which release the storm to wreak havoc on the listener every few moments.
The drumming on display is continuously superb and entertaining, especially considering the wide-variety of tempo compared to previous albums from the five-piece, including a few moments delving into new genres.
When bassist John-Michael Hedley unwittingly wrote what his bandmates considered to be a hip-hop song, it led the group to reach out to world renowned producer/rapper El-P in high hopes of a collaboration.
“Glib-Tongued” is the group’s first exploration into hip-hop music, whilst still incorporating the same doom-metal essence which has elevated this band over the years.
The mutual respect for each member's craft is one that shines through everything they create: “None of us are capable of doing what each of the other ones do” says guitarist and producer Sam Grant.
“Ergo, there’s a really healthy appreciation across the board. I look at all four of the others and each of them is doing something beyond what I can do in that world.”
Death Hilarious comes to an end on an 8-minute long beastly hymn, many times reminiscent of something from a Sleep or Om record, alas with its own distinct character that pushes the genre into unknown, exciting territory.
There is no doubt that Pigs x7 have got what it takes to conquer this territory head first, with an unapologetic realness and feel.
Words by Jay Cohen
