Matty Matheson’s Hardcore Band Pig Pen Unleashes Debut Single “Mental Mentality” and Announces New Album
Celebrity chef and TV star Matty Matheson has traded his apron for a microphone, fronting the explosive new hardcore band Pig Pen. Alongside Alexisonfire's Wade MacNeil on guitar, the band has just dropped their debut single, "Mental Mentality," and announced their first LP, 'Mental Madness,' set to unleash its fury on June 27th through Flatspot Records. This unexpected venture into the hardcore scene has already sparked significant buzz, proving Matheson's versatility extends far beyond the kitchen.
Pig Pen, also featuring Daniel Romano on guitar, Ian Romano on drums, and Tommy Major on bass, emerged from a creative burst during the pandemic. "It was during the pandemic and we were all back home," Matheson explains. "We wrote 10 songs in one day and the next day we recorded them." This rapid-fire songwriting process resulted in 'Mental Madness,' a self-produced album that captures the raw energy and intensity of their hardcore influences.
"Mental Mentality" offers a taste of what's to come, a blistering track that delves into the complexities of mental health. Matheson elaborates, "You can be having a beautiful day, surrounded by friends, and your brain can continuously ruin it. No matter how good or bad your life is, you can still hate yourself. I've got to ask myself why am I feeling the ways I'm feeling?" The song's lyrics resonate with personal struggle, adding depth and authenticity to the band's aggressive sound.
The music video for "Mental Mentality," filmed by Mitch Fillion, Zack Nash, Brandon Di Luca, and Kenneth Roy Meehan, provides a visual accompaniment to the song's intensity. The black-and-white visuals, capturing the band in the studio and during their debut show in Toronto, perfectly complement the track's raw energy.
'Mental Madness' Tracklist:
- Rabid Beach
- Heat Wave
- Pig Pen
- Power Love Train
- Mental Mentality
- Highway
- Venom Moon Rising
- Problem Mind
- Howl & Veil
- XJXIXDX
Matty Matheson's foray into hardcore with Pig Pen has generated considerable attention, blurring the lines between culinary celebrity and musical artist. But beyond the novelty, "Mental Mentality" proves that Pig Pen is more than just a side project. Their music is a genuine expression of personal struggles and a testament to the enduring power of hardcore. What do you think about this surprising musical turn from Matty Matheson? Share your thoughts in the comments below!