released: 4th september, 2026

genre: death metal / hardcore

from: oklahoma city, usa

label: the flenser

a few thoughts: chat pile have always been a confrontational band, both lyrically and sonically. they’ve expressed disdain at the current political system and the state of the world in general. sonically, they draw inspiration from grunge rock from the 90s, as well as contemporary new metal bands, with heavy and harsh soundscapes, combined with slower, more melodic moments to balance the manic energy. they’re 3 solo albums in (as well as having released an excellent collaborative project with folk and country maestro hayden pedigo), and have gone from strength to strength. on who loves the sun, the band push their sonic experiments further with menacing melodies that capture the angst and desperation felt towards atrocities happening around the world. “please be still, the ants are dreaming / please be quiet, the skull is speaking / and the wind will blow away your paper crown / and the lonely sun and moon will still shine down” sings ray b, who’s low register voice turns into wails evoking feelings of rage. the album is full of striking and utterly mesmerising moments. on “deep blue”, ray b laments “feel the skin on your face melt down / and feel all the best parts of yourself drown / and let the mask become a part of your life / let them know that they’ve chosen the right guy”. the guitar melodies and lyrics on “same rules” make it one of my favourite tracks on the album,. “pen i s mall” speaks on the harsh realities of capitalism, with brutal guitar leads. the heavy wails of the guitars on “shrine” are met with a quieter, reflective composition that contrasts the harsh and intense energy. “intruder” is a riveting moment on the album, with desperate and wailing singing, before it retracts into this beautiful, melodic piece that is a colourful contrast to the sludgy, intense metal of the previous song. the energy of “christabel ’26” is that of everything being truly fucked up and beyond repair. the riveting and fast-paced composition of “influence” is also fantastic. the vibrant energy of “family funeral” is exceptional, as they ask “where am i supposed to go now?” in desperation. “october all the time” closes the album out with a sweet an beautifully melodic composition, a complete breakaway from the heavy, destructive energy. “everything will be fine / the sun will continue to shine / everything will be fine / october all of the time”. the world will continue to turn, the sun will continue to shine, and while the people might disappear, things will be ok in the end. it’s a beautifully reflective way to close this fantastic album out. chat pile have exceeded expectations with a riveting, unflinching new album, with introspective and damning lyrics on the state of the world around us. everything, however, will be fine in the end.