Album Review: PIST – Hailz

With previous releases like Riffology and Rhythm & Booze, PIST developed an Orange Goblin-style reputation for beery good times wrapped in arse-shaking heavy grooves. On Hailz they retain the heaviness but take a considerably darker tack.

Lyrically, the album delves into themes of loss, inspired in part by the suicide of a close friend during the writing process. There’s also plenty of bile and confusion at the state of the world, and this all filters into the music.There are still plenty of bluesy stoner rock riffs, but now their other elements have been dragged screaming to the forefront.

Opener Ex-Nihilo flips from a big rolling groove straight into shrieking black metal, while Wreck displays a hardcore edge alongside its spidery reverb and low, pulsing bass. There are also some moments of hazy psychedelia in the likes of Mind Rotter and Strangle The Sun.

It’s a multi-faceted but supremely pissed-off attack from the depths of the British underground.

Verdict: 4/5