Label: Flatspot

Released 6/27/2025

The plan was to start a band that was all longtime friends. The idea was to embrace the scene they grew up in. The conspirators are as follows: Matty Matheson (singer), who grew up in the Niagara hardcore scene (with his late 90's band, Hanging Hearts), and who has gone on to become a chef and restaurateur. Wade MacNeil (guitarist), an active member of Alexisonfire and Doom’s Children. The Romano brothers, Daniel(guitarist) and Ian(drummer), rock’n’roll veterans from Daniel Romano’ Outfit and Tommy Major (bassist) of Young Guv -Tommy and the Commies - Daniel Romano’s Outfit. What resulted is the band Pig Pen. And, from this flash of inspiration, the group’s debut full length, Mental Madness, will be released on Flatspot Records June 27th. It’s tough and it’s harsh, the music is dark and noisy, and it’s got depth. There’s an ease to the energy too that spiritually aligns it with those rare fully realized hardcore demos from the classic era — one of those golden, hallowed megaphone announcements that show up now and then in the scene from a band with good ideas, who seemingly came out of nowhere, but who knew what they were from the jump, and who just did it.

Track Listing:

1. Rabid Beach
   
2. Heat Wave
   
3. PIG PEN
   
4. We Are Positive Energy
   
5. Mental Mentality
   
6. Highway Dreams
   
7. Venom Moon Rising
   
8. I’m Not Your Problem
   
9. The Howl And The Veil
   
10. XJXIXDX