Cool World (The Flenser) might not be the album that is going to make Chat Pile a household name, but is does exceed the expectations set by  2022’s God’s Country. This album exudes anger. It’s become a cliche for bands to say their new album is going to be their heaviest yet, Chat Pile let the music do the talking in this regard.

They still care about songwriting, perhaps even more so, as the almost industrial sludge beatings the album starts with give way to a more nuanced take with “Shame.” The vocals are once again varied from detached spoken word ramblings to growls and screams of all kinds. The drummer is certainly out for blood as he is beating the shit out of his kit.

A mean bass tone bares its teeth leading into “Frownland.” The syncopation is more industrial in its thump. The vocals work off repetitious chants and desperate cries of anguish. On their last album, this almost came across as a Nu-Metal influence, things are not as fun-loving on this labrum. “Funny Man” is the first song where their quirky angular side shines through. This time around it has the throbbing weight of sonic malice behind it. The repetition of vocal lines creates a solid groove in the lurking tension of “Camcorder.” They do not do darkness in a post-Punk manner, but like a deranged alcoholic who is making threatening calls to your house. 

“Tape” finds an effective balance of all the unhinged elements thrown at your ears.  The sonic swathes of guitar melodies color the background. “the New World” finds the band stomping at you with more raw primal chaos.”Masc” clearly reflects how the band’s songwriting has matured without sacrificing its edge. “Milk of Human Kindness’ has more melodic elements to its introspection as the pound moves to a more undercurrent. It does build up into an angrier throb. If Captain Beefheart or Tom Waits ever made a metal album it might sound like “No Way Out”. There is the feeling of being in a circus sideshow in the odd-timing and eerie guitar lines.

Not only is this album better than what they have done in the past, it also packs a more defined punch thanks to the taunt songwriting. They attained a perfect balance of the varied sides to their sound be it the more punky Noise Rock outbursts to the darker metallic poundings, If you are a fan of this band, there is something for you to celebrate here. It’s unlikely this album is going to land them a spot opening for Sleep Token, but it will appeal to fans of heavy music who prefer an experimental edge that does not pander to the mainstream. 

Buy the album here:
https://orcd.co/jj690dz

9 / 10
WIL CIFER
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