What makes Head Cage by Pig Destroyer notable?

Head Cage received critical acclaim upon its release, noted for its intricate compositions and lyrical depth. It debuted at number 9 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart, reflecting its impact within the grindcore scene and highlighting Pig Destroyer's enduring presence in heavy music. Released on January 1, 2018, Head Cage is Pig Destroyer's fifth full-length album, following their 2012 release, Book Burner. This album marks a continued exploration of their signature grindcore sound while incorporating more melodic elements and complex song structures, showcasing the band's evolution over the years.

Who is Head Cage for?

Head Cage works well if you're into relentless bursts of intensity, short tracks for quick hits and cathartic release of aggression.

How many songs are on Head Cage?

Head Cage has 12 tracks, running approximately 30 minutes.

Head Cage

Pig Destroyer · 2018

30 min · 12 tracks · grindcore

Frenetic grindcore riffs collide with haunting atmospheres, delivering an intense auditory experience that is both chaotic and immersive.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Army of Cops — This track combines relentless energy with sharp social commentary, making it a standout example of the band's ability to merge brutality with thought-provoking themes.
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Concrete Beast — With its crushing riffs and dynamic shifts, this track encapsulates the raw intensity of the album while showcasing the band's technical prowess.
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House of Snakes — As the album's closing track, it offers a seven-minute journey that balances heaviness with atmospheric moments, reflecting the band's sonic range and emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate compositions and dynamic shifts create an immersive grindcore experience.

What we noticed

Many songs incorporate layered vocals, alternating between harsh screams and more melodic lines, which adds depth to the overall sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

relentless bursts of intensity
short tracks for quick hits
cathartic release of aggression
for high-energy workouts

Maybe skip if you

prefer long, gradual builds
seek melodic, soothing sounds

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on January 1, 2018, Head Cage is Pig Destroyer's fifth full-length album, following their 2012 release, Book Burner. This album marks a continued exploration of their signature grindcore sound while incorporating more melodic elements and complex song structures, showcasing the band's evolution over the years.
Stylistic neighbors: Napalm Death· Anaal Nathrakh· Agoraphobic Nosebleed