Search - Pig :: Pigmata

Excellent new album lives up to the Pig name

petalsforeverfalling | New York, NY | 11/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Pig is an alias for Raymond Watts, who has been creating innovative "industrial" music since the early 80s. "Pigmata" is a 2005 re-release of an album he originally released in 2004 called "Pigmartyr," under the name Watts instead of Pig. "Pigmartyr" had some good songs, but was muddled by bad production and a terrible record label that gave it no publicity.



Thankfully, Metropolis Records has saved it from obscurity by remastering it and releasing it in the USA, back under the good old Pig name. And it's got three wonderful new songs, proving that Watts is still as talented as ever.



The remastering (by Isaac Glendening of Cesium_137) makes a huge difference. Songs that previously were muddled now sound as clear as day, and you can hear the full extent of Watts' songwriting skill. This album is heavier than much of Pig's previous work--more loud guitars, fewer orchestral samples. Yet it still manages an epic feel, particularly with the soaring choruses of songs like "Stage Slut" and "Junky."



This album has several pure pounding metal songs ("Reject," "Vitriol Vice and Virtue," "Suck Spit Sh!t"). But Pig is noted for his gift at generic experimentation, and so the new songs give this album a more well-rounded feel--"Filth Healer" has orchestral elements reminiscent of great Pig albums like "Sinsation" and "Wrecked," and "God Rod" goes even further--its dancey Latin-influenced chorus brings to mind early Pig like "Praise the Lard" and "The Swining."



There are also two exceptional standout tracks on this album which don't sound like anything else Pig has done. "Kundalini" has a beautiful, dreamy synth-pop sound, almost like an evil Depeche Mode (Depeche Mode possessed by Satan?).



And the true highlight of this album is a new song called "On the Slaughterfront," which sounds like lounge music so vivid you can almost smell the smoke in the room. This song takes full advantage of the power of Watts' voice, deep and rich yet worn by years of smoking, drinking, and screaming. The sound brings to mind early Pig songs like "Black Mambo" and "Angel," but really it doesn't sound like anything he's done before. It's got female backup singers and a saxophone instead of raging guitars, yet its tone still perfectly fits the album. Lyrically it's as if Watts has written his own biography in a song. The overall effect is so beautiful it actually made me cry.



Watts is noted for his sleaze-sex persona and his clever lyrical ability. He's also great at criticizing what he hates by personifying it within his songs. That's another area where this album shines--you get the classic Pig persona on a song like "Take," with its unforgettable chorus: "Keep your mouth shut baby / And your legs wide open." "Take" also features female vocalist Harry, whose voice perfectly complements Watts' deep growl. (Another talented female singer, Arianne Schreiber, contributes to "Here to Stay" and "Junky".)



And when it comes to the more personal and confessional lyrics, this album also doesn't disappoint. I've heard people complain that Watts keeps reusing the same lyrics over and over, and it's true that he's constantly (and creatively) reworking material. But anyone who thinks he can't do anything new needs to listen to "Situation," which has some of the absolute best lyrics Watts has written in years. And I must mention "On the Slaughterfront" again as well, for its astounding lyrical quality. Watts is brilliant and clever and witty, and his lyrics perfectly blend a tongue-in-cheek, self-aware sense of humor with a dark, cynical, and damaged worldview. Thematically, this album focuses on romantic betrayal and drug addiction; the overall tone is of a kind of weariness toward life. But Watts' talent is still irrepressible.



I do gain a bit of hope from the fact that the newest songs are also the best. I can only pray that this will lead to more Pig albums in the future. And I know a tour is highly unlikely, but man, I'd kill to see these songs performed live.



I recommend this album to--er, anyone who likes good music, really. Particularly metal, I suppose, and industrial is a given. If you like Nine Inch Nails or KMFDM, you will love this."

This cd is rocking my world!

Boondagger | Misawa, Japan | 11/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can't express the shear joy I felt when the first track came slowly crawling through my car speakers. Then when it erupted into a full on assault, I knew Pig had returned. This is my new favorite cd! I believe it's better than Sinsation, which has a very special place in my music collection. Pigmata is a brilliant mix of bands like Ministry, KMFDM (duh), Marilyn Manson (Don't let that discourage you), Thrill Kill Kult and even the old NIN. If you like any of those bands, you owe it to yourself to get this album! It sounds so much better and original than anything I've heard this year. Where Sinsation sounded like a man in the studio by himself, this is closer to sounding like a full band while keeping it very personal and Pig sounding.



I know this review might be a jumbled mess but my head is swimming. I'm in complete nirvana after listening to this masterpiece. This album will be in my cd player for many weeks to come. It's that good. 5 stars might be a bit high for some people, but this is such a punch in the face that I have to give it the proper respect. I am totally blown away!



Yes indeed, this cd is rocking my f@cking world! Thank you Pig for breaking up this horribly stale and TRL produced music buisness. This cd gives me new hope about the future of industrial music!! Long live the lord of lard!"

Good Stuff

J. Nelson | Somewhere between the person on my right and the p | 02/16/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a fan of Pig for years now and even though this is not the same as his older stuff, it rules. Bands are going to change their style from release to release and granted some may not like the change that they are familuar with, but get over it. Just listen to the ablum and stop thinking how it doesn't sound like older Pig. The album is a collection of songs that kick-you-in-the-face-and-leave-you-dying-there-in-a-pile-of-your-own-blood. Oh, and for all those who are complaining that it's just a re-release of Pigmartyr, why are you complaining. Just don't buy the re-release if you already have Pigmartyr. It's as simple as that. It's not like Pig was trying to release two seperate albums with the same track listing. Maybe this will shed some light on the matter: "Pigmartyr was originally planned as a PIG band album under the title Lust for Lard. After a series of drawn-out recording sessions and release date changes, it was eventually released by Grand Recordings as a "Watts" album in summer 2004. The album was remastered and rereleased through Metropolis under the title Pigmata in 2005, as a PIG album, with three additional tracks".



All and all, this album is a great continuation of the genius of Raymond Watts. Buy it and listed to it. That's all you need to. You won't be disappointed."