Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs: Death Hilarious (red vinyl) LP

The fifth album from Newcastle's riff wizards Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs is defined by calculated aggression and self-lacerating lyrics. Its startling bonuses include playful synth work and the appearance of a giant from hip-hop. With its title juxtaposing absurdity and seriousness, this is "Death Hilarious". Whereas 2023's "Land Of Sleeper" was conceived as an immersive headphones experience, this time Pigs strove for something more directly hostile. "Death Hilarious" does bring in some big surprises, particularly the track ‘Glib Tongued’, which has guest bars by El-P from Run The Jewels. "Death Hilarious" is a diversely punishing record which shapeshifts through Sabbathian doom, grotesquely minimalist noise rock, and cyclical post-metal fortissimos. Pigs continue to push themselves, too. Incongruous synthesiser solos appear where guitar histrionics would usually fit. Piano tracks lurk in the mix, adding near-subliminal depth to the maelstrom. Distorted licks flying from the amplifiers of Grant and lead guitarist, Adam Ian Sykes, while the rhythm section sizzle behind.