Heavy Song of the Week: Chat Pile Channel Catharsis Through Sick Riffs on “I Am Dog Now”

Heavy Song of the Week: Chat Pile’s “I Am Dog Now”

Every Friday, Heavy Song of the Week dives into the top metal and hard rock tracks you need to hear. This week, the spotlight is on Chat Pile’s “I Am Dog Now.”

Oklahoma City’s Chat Pile made waves with their debut full-length, God’s Country, released in 2022. Their blend of raw post-hardcore and DIY ethos captured the grim realities of modern America, laying bare its consumerist and cultural flaws. Their music is anything but escapist, providing a relentless critique of societal decay.

While their lyrics are undeniably powerful, it’s Chat Pile’s intense riffs that let listeners channel the anger and disillusionment conveyed by their words. “I Am Dog Now,” the lead single from their upcoming album Cool World, perfectly encapsulates this duality. The track’s heavy, crushing riffs reflect the raw emotion of vocalist Raygun Busch’s cathartic expressions. The semi-lo-fi mix, courtesy of Uniform’s Ben Greenberg, amplifies the heaviness with a punchy edge.

Honorable Mentions:

Dale Crover – “I Quit”
Melvins’ drummer Dale Crover shines as a solo artist, with standout albums like The Fickle Finger of Fate (2017) and Rat-A-Tat-Tat! (2021). His new single, “I Quit,” from the upcoming LP Glossolalia, features an intriguing odd-tuned riff dubbed “Lazy Keith Richards” by Crover. The track also includes a wild, unconventional solo from Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil, making for a standout garage-rock experience.

Orange Goblin – “Ascend the Negative”
There’s something special about stoner metal in the summer—its sun-baked riffs and thick bass grooves perfectly complement the season’s vibe. Orange Goblin’s latest single, “Ascend the Negative,” continues their legacy as one of the genre’s leading acts. Their consistent formula delivers all the right elements for those sunny, laid-back days with friends, beers, and barbecue.

Unto Others – “Angel of the Night”
Formerly known as Idle Hands, Unto Others is gearing up for their third album, Never, Neverland, set for release on September 20th via Century Media. The third single, “Angel of the Night,” showcases a mellower side of the band. This goth rock/metal track hints at ’80s influences like Depeche Mode and Echo and the Bunnymen, cementing Unto Others as modern pioneers of the genre.

Check out these tracks and let us know which ones resonate with you!