Phantom Limb

With slightly longer songs (most are over a minute) than previous records, Pig Destroyer\'s fourth album is closer to death metal than the grindcore (or \"deathgrind\") they are often associated with. The tempos still reach breakneck speeds, it\'s just that *Phantom Limb* finds the band simplifying their approach just enough to inspire the distinction. \"Heathen Temple,\" \"Thought Crime Spree\" and the titular cut all point out the spot where Slayer, Obituary and Pig Destroyer meet up. Beyond that, the one-two punch of \"Fourth Degree Burns\" and \"Alexandria\" features two of guitarist Scott Hull\'s signature breakdowns, slowing the action to a bludgeoning pace and gathering tension until it\'s released with the fury of a tornado. Even without playing solos, Hull is one of the most exciting guitarists in metal.

Almost three years in the making, Pig Destroyer's new album Phantom Limb furthers the enigmatic band's nihilistic, shock and awe attack. PD boil metal down to its muscle, sinew, and bone - razor-sharp guitar, percussive pummeling, and a lone, stark howl - and use them to commit a vicious assault. The lyrics paint loathsome, frightening images of pitch-black self-hatred and the frailty of the human experience. With Phantom Limb, Pig Destroyer provide a musical manifestation of the violent experience of the human animal, and cement their already legendary status.

Grindcore band makes a strong pitch for the Metal Album of the Year honors with a record that's such a quantum leap even beyond Pig Destroyer's earlier, already pretty fuckin' awesome records that it might as well represent a quantum leap for the whole goddamn genre.

Grindcore heroes Pig Destroyer returned in 2007 with Phantom Limb, their third proper full-length for Relapse Records.

Is there another act that plays as ferocious brand of grindcore — with only guitar, drums, and vocals for that matter – as the mighty PIG DESTROYER? You've heard it on "Prowler in the Yard", "38 Counts of Battery", and 2004's all-encompassing "Terrifyer". Now get ready for what just may be the act's...

Pig Destroyer - Phantom Limb review: God is in the mirror, not hiding in the skies; this heathen temple will stand tall until the day that I die.