“I enjoy provoking traditionalists.”
Upon reflection, it’s evident that the metal purists can be a bit hesitant to embrace us,” acknowledges Luther Manhole, the guitarist of the band Chat Pile. Despite their sound transcending various musical scenes such as hardcore, noise rock, and alternative metal, and their albums like God’s Country in 2022 and Cool World in 2024 being well-received, the Oklahoma City group seems adept at ruffling feathers. This friction arises partly due to their use of extreme metal iconography.
“In a spiritual sense, our music delves into darkness comparable to black metal,” scoffs bassist Stin. “While our delivery might vary, the essence and emotion that we aim to convey are present. However, this irksome aspect of our scratchy twig-like metal logo doesn’t sit well with purists. I don’t believe it amounts to stolen valor to embrace a metal aesthetic, but it does bother these purists who perceive us as hipsters appropriating metal culture. Personally, I couldn’t care less!”
Chat Pile’s primary goal is to encapsulate the anxiety and fear stemming from witnessing the world’s disintegration. Preferring not to adhere strictly to conventions, they prioritize enjoying the music they create. Stin humorously remarks that the band plans to delve further into experimentation for their future projects. Whether or not it proves successful, they are open to the idea of performing God’s Country in its entirety on a 311 cruise in fifteen years as a backup plan.
The band’s sense of humor shines through, notably following Deicide frontman Glen Benton’s criticism of modern metal bands resembling “wannabe Weezer-looking dudes.” In response, Chat Pile whimsically posted a photo mimicking the cover of Weezer’s classic Blue Album on social media, poking fun at Benton’s remarks.
“I take great pleasure in riling up the hardcore purists,” Stin chuckles mischievously. “Glen Benton is akin to a grandpa on Facebook!”
Luther elaborates on this sentiment, dismissing the notion of rigid musical boundaries and rules. He deems such thinking as antiquated and restrictive, emphasizing the importance of breaking free from these outdated perceptions.
Their live performances blend powerful, abrasive noise with whimsical banter from lead vocalist Raygun Busch, who often delves into 80s film trivia while clad only in Y-fronts. According to Stin, many fans were surprised by their authentic and unreserved presentation, devoid of the typical dark and mysterious facade associated with heavy metal bands.
Despite their provocative online and onstage antics, Chat Pile takes their music seriously, combining elements of noise rock and groove metal to create a unique and impactful sound. Their eclectic influences span various genres and artists, with a disregard for seeking validation by solely recognizing underground acts.
Cool World, their latest album, showcases a more refined and accessible sound compared to their previous work, striking a balance between intensity and catchiness. Drawing inspiration from bands like Nirvana, Chat Pile infuses their music with memorable hooks and raw energy, appealing to a broader audience while retaining their signature edge.
As their popularity continues to grow, Chat Pile finds themselves unexpectedly gaining recognition from mainstream outlets and critics, marking a significant shift from their humble beginnings within the Oklahoma City music scene. Despite their newfound acclaim, the band remains grounded and appreciative of their journey, emphasizing their initial intention of playing local shows for friends.
Cool World is now available through The Flenser, and Chat Pile is set to tour the UK starting April 20. For a complete list of tour dates, visit their official website.