Take a dab of Depeche Mode’s Violator, a smidge of Marilyn Manson’s The Pale Emperor, a little of Nick Cave’s “Red Right Hand” and….you know what? Forget that! <PIG> is only comparable to <PIG> and the latest from the Lord of the Lard is no exception and certainly an album that stands on its own within the upper echelon of rawk.
While the players involved (En Esch, Z. Marr, Guenter Schulz, and Galen Waling) may indicate The Gospel to have a certain sound this is by no means the <PIG> that sat on a label roster spearheaded by Trent Reznor at one time and on the illustrious Wax Trax! at other times.
In fact, opener “The Diamond Sinners” might be better suited on an electronic update of a spaghetti western score by Ennio Morricone than opening the first <PIG> release in almost 10 years. But that’s the beauty of The Gospel and of <PIG>: you never know what you’re gonna get when you press “play”.
“Found In Filth” might be more of the “old school” <PIG> but only because the guitars are turned to 11 and even then the song still rocks a T. Rex vibe more that an industrial one. Frankly, if you’re longing for <PIG> of yore then skip ahead to “I’m So Wrong” then get the fuck outta here. <PIG> has evolved and it’s best to move forward rather than dwell in the past.
Speaking of evolution, Raymond Watts expands the previously released “Drugzilla” (Originally on the Compound Eye Sessions with MC Lord of the Flies) to new devilish heights while “Missing The Mainline” is almost a full on electro ballad with Watts crooning out theses giant choruses which counter his silky delivery during the verses.
And if you’re in the market for new goth anthems then The Gospel has you covered! Instantly coming to mind is “Viva Evil” with its’ instant sing-a-long chorus and syncopated beats firming up an unstoppable groove. As a whole, though, The Gospel is unlike any <PIG> release ever featuring a new range of sounds from Watts and company. “Mercy Murder” features slide guitar and some soloing underneath these lush synthetic soundscapes while “Toleration or Truth” almost hums from the culmination of sonic ecstasy created within.
The Gospel is preached to the masses courtesy of Metropolis Records on September 9th. Pre-orders are available now over here and here. If you’re lucky enough to live in a city where the “American Excess” tour is headed then be sure to check it out and gobble up all of the new, exclusive releases available only there as well. For tour dates and more, head here.
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