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5	Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
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Band

Pile of Heads

Title

The Art of Suffering

Type

LP/EP

Company

Independent

YOR

2004

Style

Nu/Rapcore

Popular Reviews

3/30/2006 - Review by: Vigatorix

Pile of Heads - The Art of Suffering - 2004

Track Listing1. What We Feed Off
2. The Art of Suffering
3. Hang Loose
4. Flashlight
5. The Bomb
6. Churning
7. Saved
8. Back Home
9. Living a Lie
10. Prison Toy
11. Perfect Way to Die
12. J.W.D.S.

How many heads does it take to punch out a dynamic alternative metal album? Apparently the four creative noggins of New York natives Pile of Heads by way of their latest effort, The Art of Suffering. With an industrial background setting the pace for the pain and influences ranging from classic Sevendust to momentary glimpses of pioneers Nine Inch Nails, the potential is apparent for a brain busting ride.

For the majority, the album is an intense concoction of pounding percussion and slashing guitars molded over mechanical production. Frontman smAth provides the classic gutteral rock growl on occassion, but adheres to a gritty melodic singing style in the chorus. The lyrics are morbidly prophetic and emotion driven, fusing smoothly with the instruments though often being morphed into surreal echo.

Is that a touch of Chevelle I hear on "Back Home"? My musical mind is joyously satisfied from tracks one to eleven, but then, a strange twist ravages my ear drums on number twelve. On "J.W.D.S", it seems another band has invaded the album! It's an odd country infused ballad. Actually, it sounds like it would be perfect for the bloody opening of a Quentin Tarantino flick. But it does little justice for an ending to The Art of Suffering. Though I did suffer a headache listening to it.

Standout tracks include the thrash worthy "The Bomb" and flawless opening of "What We Feed Off".

Overall Rating 7/10

--Vigatorix 03.22.06