Band:	Faces Of The Bog
Album:	Animals
Style:	Psychedelic doom metal, Progressive sludge metal
Release date:	September 06, 2024
Guest review by:	Blackcrowe

01. Pigs On The Wing (Part 1) [Pink Floyd cover]
02. Dogs [Pink Floyd cover]
03. Pigs (Three Different Ones) [Pink Floyd cover]
04. Sheep [Pink Floyd cover]
05. Pigs On The Wing (Part 2) [Pink Floyd cover]

The Animals in the Bog.

Animals is my favorite Pink Floyd album, and one of my top ten favorite records of all time. Faces Of The Bog, a doom/sludge/prog band from Chicago, delivered their own version of Animals with their latest album, playing the entire 1977 Pink Floyd classic. This release also serves as their first full-length album since their excellent debut, Ego Death from 2016.

It’s hard to stay impartial when a great band like Faces Of The Bog takes on one of your favorite records with such mastery and grandiosity. They’ve made the album their own, adding a heavy doom edge while remaining respectful that the changes feel subtle. Their unique taste reveals an entirely fresh perspective, emphasizing the dark moments of the original and making them even darker.

On the intro track "Pigs On The Wing (Part 1)", the sound is fantastic; the vocals and guitar feel even more nostalgic than on the original. It’s a very respectful version, capturing the spirit of the original beautifully. The band then gives a special treatment to "Dogs", with intricate arpeggios. The song’s metal sound, and the vocal harmonies add a fresh dimension. While the structure remains similar to the original, the guitar solos stay faithful to David Gilmour’s style. The keyboards also replicate the sounds of the 1977 version remarkably well. The distorted bass adds a distinct character. The dog sound effects are taken from another Pink Floyd dog-song, “Seamus” from 1971. The vocal and the harmonies, in particular, stand out.

"Pigs (Three Different Ones)" is the standout track. Everything, from the keyboards to the atmosphere and the vocal harmonies, is well executed. The layered production is impressive, blending the iconic Pink Floyd sound with the band’s heavy doom metal. This version elevates the song to another level. In "Sheep", the band leans heavily into their doom metal roots, while preserving the atmosphere of the original. Their heavy style shines here, giving the song a more prominent, powerful edge. Roger Waters and David Gilmour sure would be very pleased with the vocal exchanges between Trey Wedgeworth and Paul Bradfield.

"Pigs On The Wing (Part 2)" offers a full-band, heavy version of the song, which is really outstanding. This is their own heavy version, without losing the emotional core of the original.

Listening to this version of Animals has, in some ways, changed my perception of the original record. Faces Of The Bog’s interpretation of Animals does an excellent job, and marks a turning point for the band, showcasing their ability to reinterpret a classic from Pink Floyd while leaving their own mark. And that is no easy feat...