S.H.S. Album Review - All Pigs Must Die: Nothing Violates This Nature

Here's a band that deserves its rightful place on my webpage... ALL PIGS MUST DIE... despite the fact that they need no help spreading their word. I'm sure if you're into HC you have read rave reviews ad nauseum about these guys since their inception. For anyone who has been living under a rock, APMD is a metal/hardcore supergroup featuring Kevin Baker on vocals, drummer extraordinaire Ben Koller, Adam Wentworth on guitar, and bassist Matt Woods. These esteemed gentlemen are/have been in such legendary acts as Converge, Old Man Gloom, Acid Tiger, The Hope Conspiracy, The Red Chord, and Bloodhorse. The band records at producer and Converge guitartist Kurt Ballou's Godcity Studios. The band's name is not a dig against cops; rather, it is a Death In June reference. 

The band's debut was a self-titled EP in 2010, followed by a full-length in 2011. I cannot understate the impact of this release. Songs from it, such as 'Hungry Wolf, Easy Prey' were an expression of brutal heaviness like none other, yet were somehow quite accessible at the same time.  Koller's insane chops are the thunderous metronome behind the buzzsaw guitars and Baker's raw, unholy, yet decipherable hardcore vocals. The musical chemistry this band has with one another is second to none. While everything they do has literally been absolute gold, I did not have quite the level of ecstatic enjoyment going on with their 2011 full-length "God Is War." The songs were a tiny bit less catchy... there was just a more nuanced approach (I use the term loosely).

At any rate, APMD are back with a highly anticipated new LP. "Nothing Violates This Nature" is not only an all-out rager, it spits in the face of anyone foolishly guessing there could be any kind of 'sophomore slump.' The album also shows some exciting growth within the bands sound, giving a glimpse into the potential future. I really expect all manner of fans to be thoroughly satisfied with this effort. Every song is killer... let's go through the ones that really stand out to me...

The very first track, 'Chaos Arise' rips your face off with an all-out assault, letting the listener know exactly what they are in for immediately. The frantic nature of it hits like no other song of theirs, besides the aforementioned 'Hungry Wolf...' 

 

The second and eighth tracks 'Chaos Arise,' and short banger 'Sacred Nothing' also share a vitriolic attitude and frantic pace. After repeated listenings, the general effect is still 'What just happened??' or possibly, 'Are my ears bleeding (happily)?' Tracks 3-7 provide more of a crushing, skull bashing, groove-laden approach. I can really envision the violence that will ensue in the pit when the band launches into these pseudo-breakdown laden dirges! On the ninth track, 'Faith Eater,' we're treated to a couple cool, tech-y guitar licks, some thrash, and a satisfying d-beat on the drums. While I'm not a fan of guitars sweeping all over the place constantly, these parts are tasteful and fit right into the song. It's another one of my favorites, check it out:

On the albums closer, entitled 'Articles of Human Weakness,' we get what I would argue is the band's best and most interesting song yet. It really shows what they are capable of. Beginning with filthy yet hypnotic black metal feel, the drums and guitar tone remind one of middle-era Darkthrone. The vocals take center stage though, doing something a little different and cutting nicely through the sort of melodic metal feeling later. There's a great instrumental buildup and climax mid-song, with a straight up, chugging beatdown for the end. Listen for yourself.

This is a must own album, and I would highly recommend checking the band out live too - seeing this type of aggression and precise musicianship in person is an experience you won't soon forget!

The CD is available now through Southern Lord, although no vinyl version hasn't come out yet. There are however some nice 7" EPs currently available through Deathwish Inc, which contain a B-side not available on the new album.