Pig Destroyer is back with their fifth full length record on Relapse entitled "Book Burner." This is the first album without drummer Brian Harvey and the first with Misery-Index veteran Adam Jarvis. Funny story about Jarvis, we once exchanged harsh words at a club in Parma at a show when he attempted to hit on my then girlfriend. Personal conflicts aside (Adam is a great drummer and fantastic dude), this record is a breath of fresh air for one of my favorite acts in metal. Early tracks like "The American's Head" and "Diplomat" pick up where the best parts of 2007's "Phantom Limb" LP left off. Scott Hull's trademark thrash metal tinged grindcore riffing is matched only by Jarvis' impressive percussive performance and the band's unique use of groove and breaks in songs that hold your head out of the water only long enough to shove your face in it again. J.R. Hayes' vocals on this record are a welcomed return to form as well with the vocalist opting for a rawer production and less effects as on previous efforts. "Prowler in the Yard" it's definitely not, but this production approach introduces many new fans to Hayes' range and allows listeners to feel the passion of one of the best in the business without a wall of effects to sift through. Although it took a couple of listens for me to really get into this record, it is definitely one that I'll be jamming this Summer and for quite some time after that. Don't expect an experimental track or anything fancy with this effort, Pig Destroyer are starting fresh with a new lineup and rejuvinated sense of self. Hopefully fans can get a few tour dates out of these guys as well and this energy will translate well on stage.
8.5 / 10