Artist: Death in June Album: All Pigs Must Die

Year: 2001
Duration: 35:56

A Critical Review of the Album: All Pigs Must Die by Death in June

Death in June is a music project that came into existence in the early 1980s. It is known for being one of the initiators of the neofolk music genre, which developed from the post-punk and industrial music scenes. The project's founder, Douglas Pearce, has been the only constant member of the group. Over the years there have been changes in the members' line-up, but Pearce's vision remains the cornerstone. In this blog post, we will critically review their album 'All Pigs Must Die' and explore the best songs, the most innovative parts of the album, and our insights on it.

The album 'All Pigs Must Die' is an interesting addition to the Death in June discography. It follows the neofolk style, with songs that are politically and socially charged. The album is named after a George Orwell quote and covers themes such as war, fascism, and societal decay, making it highly relevant for its release time. The industrial beats, guitar riffs, and Douglas Pearce's voice all merge to create a haunting soundscape that can be both intense and soothing.

One of our favorite songs in the album is 'Black Radio (Live At Colchester Arts Centre, UK, 17/05/2007)'. The song is a cover of the Public Enemy track and is a commentary on police brutality and systemic racism. This song demonstrates Pearce's ability to convey political messages and issues through art. The rhythms and beats of the track add an extra edge to the lyrics.

Another noteworthy song on the album is 'Torture By Roses'. The song is emotional and poetic, with Pearce singing about the power of love and how it can transcend physical and mental pain. The acoustic guitar and cello soundtrack create an atmospheric mood that complements the lyrical content.

Innovative parts of the album include the use of electronic music and beats. This is apparent on songs like 'The Enemy Within' and 'All Pigs Must Die'. These tracks merge eerie acoustic sounds with aggressive rhythms and powerful lyrics, making them stand out from the other tracks on the album.

Despite some great aspects of the album, however, we cannot overlook some of its flaws. The album's production quality is on the lower side, and there are moments when some lyrics are not enunciated well. Additionally, the album can be quite heavy-there are no light moments or tracks that offer a respite.

In summary, 'All Pigs Must Die by Death in June' is a testament to the political and artistic genius of Douglas Pearce. The album is relevant and poignant, with its neofolk style shining through. The standout tracks, 'Black Radio' and 'Torture By Roses', are testimonials to Pearce's ability to delve deep into political and emotional themes. However, the album's production quality is not fantastic, and there can be a sense of monotony throughout the album. Yet, despite these flaws, the album remains a must-listen for fans of Death in June and neofolk music.

In summary, 'All Pigs Must Die by Death in June' is a testament to the political and artistic genius of Douglas Pearce. The album is relevant and poignant, with its neofolk style shining through. The standout tracks, 'Black Radio' and 'Torture By Roses', are testimonials to Pearce's ability to delve deep into political and emotional themes. However, the album's production quality is not fantastic, and there can be a sense of monotony throughout the album. Yet, despite these flaws, the album remains a must-listen for fans of Death in June and neofolk music.