I enjoyed this one. How’s that for a bare bones, straight forward assessment devoid of all the fluff and metaphor of the typical critical review? But I’m sure I’ll still end up tossing in some metaphorical blather anyway in some desperate attempt to be clever. Singapore’s uniquely <ahem> named Pyscho brings an effective mix of filthy death and crust-caked thrash with Pain Addict Pigs and does it with some good ‘ole catchiness.

Mixing Carcass-esque (mid-to-late period) rasp vocals with strategically alternated death growls, Pain Addict Pigs comes with as much groove as sadistic pummel, if not more. The surprising amount of clarity in the production brings out the growling, often quite active, bass lines as well. There are also moments of splatter thrash and gory DM that bring to mind some of the vintage Razorback Records material released by acts like Frightmare, Blood Freak, and Ghoul. The thrashy, groovy material works especially well on songs like “Dr. Satan” and the comparatively up-tempo “Lords of Slaughter,” which features a monster cadence/pattern that makes it impossible to keep from banging one’s head. And there’s one of those colloquial expressions common to conversations in heavy metal circles, as we all know that literally banging one’s head could result in brain damage.

In any event, Pain Addict Pigs offers a collection of tunes as feral as the black/death/thrash often heard from Southeast Asian bands, particularly those found on labels like Hells Heabangers (Deiphago, etc), yet recorded with some modern sensibilities and written with the intent to hook. Dare I state that Pain Addict Pigs – gnarly album rife with prurience and blasphemy – is fun? Or would that be considered a statement slanderous to Psycho’s street credibility. Nah, fuck it, this is fun stuff. In fact, I think I’ll order the CD – in replacement of my digital promotional copy – from Moribund right now. Seriously.

[Visit the band's website]

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