Phantom Limb
Veteran Virginia grinders, PIG DESTROYER, have returned to the forefront of the Death Metal scene with their latest effort, released on June 12 via Relapse, entitled Phantom Limb. While I’ve been a Pig Destroyer fan for a long time, I feel that this is definitely their best effort since their 2000 split with ISIS. With 15 tracks, most sitting under the 2-minute mark, this is definitely one of the most brutal albums of the year.
The album features several incredible tracks, which is in complete contrast with the band’s last album – the mediocre Terrifyer from 2004. My favorite track is “Deathtripper”, which clocks in at a short but insanely punishing 1:04. Which is rivaled by my number two choice, “Untitled” – the album’s closer. Ok, I lied. No one can like this track and those who say they do are just trying to be ‘too cool for the room’. Now, it is very experimental and pretty entertaining – but It’s just a lot of sound effects. For the most part, it sounds like you’re sitting outside in the deep south during a summer night. A lot of cricket chirping and a Country/Western song take up most of the track’s seven minute length.
As for other good songs on the album, I would recommend “Rotten Yellow,” “Heathen Temple,” and “Waist Deep In Ash”. Definitely give the entire album a listen, as I did during my road trip today, and be the judge for yourself. I can promise you that it’s a great album and a definite favorite for any fans of CEPHALIC CARNAGE, PSYOPUS, JOB FOR A COWBOY, and those who already know and love Pig Destroyer.
I picked up a copy of the trio’s recent split with COLDWORKER and ANTIGAMA, thinking that I was getting the best that Pig Destroyer has had to offer in a long time – I was wrong, however, Phantom Limb is an INCREDIBLE album!
