Genre: Hardcore/sludge
Origin: USA
Released: 2009
Website: Year of the Pig
Label: Spider Cuddler Records
Uploaded: 06.05.10

I'm sorry, my apologies to the readers, the band and the label; but I have absolutely nothing of value to say about this release. I've tried giving it a fair chance, tried to really dig my way into their sound, but it all comes out rather bland in my book. I suppose much of that has to do with Year of the Pig's strong similarities with Neurosis, a band I've never liked or understood what all the fuss was about. The promo sheet also mentions similarities with both Godflesh, Unsane and The Melvins, but since I've never been into either of those bands the comparisons mean little to me.
Admittedly the release has grown a little on me, the first couple of times around I really didn't get it, but eventually I at least saw some light at the end of the tunnel. The threesome presents a few moments of rather intriguing, dark and heavy hardcore that strongly reminds me of His Hero Is Gone, and that's always good. It's all set in a sludgy tempo with varying drum patterns all the way through, which is cause for a captivating listen. Riff-wise it's of a rather groovy character, although not everything speaks to me I have to admit the lads definitely have a nack for groove and melody (just give Incinerator's guitar line towards the end a listen). I dig the quite audible bass, it often adds a pummelling heftiness to the music, whereas the vocals unfortuantely take away from the aggression, but I'll get to that later on. The compositions are thick, tight and at times pretty crushing in heaviness. There's a sense of progression running through the song writing, with emphasis on catchy quality music rather than mimicking any particular favourite band to the letter. But nonetheless, I just don't get it...
I can't seem to wrap my head around the semi-clean vocal style, it just doesn't do it for me. Instead of adding brutality, harshness, angst or whatever, it sounds a little southern, but not fully nailing the style. And when the vocals during Annual percentage rape sounds like Rob Zombie I don't know what to think. Year of the Pig is a dark, heavy, slow and chugging piece of machinery creating starkly atmospheric tunes. I admire their skills, but it's not for me.

Tracklist:
01. Sorry about the blood
02. Televised charade
03. Humanicide
04. Annual percentage rape
05. Incinerator
06. Things dad yelled drunk