Smogg - The Chaotic Evil - Album Review

Metal from the Heart of Manchester

Smogg – The Chaotic Evil

(Unsignedl)

METAL

Review By: SAM LOUGHLAN

Artist Name: Andrew Kirkpatrick (Vocalist/Producer)

Track list: Human Trash

Chaos Evil

Paper Straws Are Bullshit and You Fuckin Know It

Abhorrent

Circular Saw

Severe Sensory Sickness

Traumatic Epiphany

Asinine Brainrot

Knee Deep in Lies

Cranium Abuse

Hello Manchester! I hope you are all well and not feeling too down in the dumps as the cold wintery nights start to set in across the UK. We hope to lift your spirits today with the discovery of new found talent in the underground alternative scene. This is our first solo artist review and it comes from the heart of Manchester itself. We really hope it leaves you wanting more.

After many failed attempts at forming a band, Manchester metal head Andrew Kirkpatrick decided to go solo and eventually release his first album ‘Porblem’ under the pseudonym ‘Smogg’. The first album was considered the quintessential amateur self-produced self-recorded ‘bedroom’ metal album with Andrew writing and playing all the instruments himself as well as vocals. This is most definitely what sets this guy apart as a metal artist and is also what caught our attention here at Heads Up North Manchester! The result a debut album representing an artist still trying to find his stride and an identity. Six more albums and eight EPs later Smogg honed its craft, gained a more comprehensive know how of home recording, and the latest opus ‘The Chaotic Evil’ is solid proof of that. Let’s see what the album has in store for us…

So, the album is comprised of 10 tracks, each with its own flare for the dramatic. On first listening through ‘The Chaotic Evil’, I was really impressed with how the album came together with a phenomenal selection of pieces all varying in length that showcase the artists talents perfectly. This collection gives the impression that the artist has NO boundaries. He goes where the music takes him. In my experience, there is nothing better in the alternative scene than being able to open your mind to new crazy and unique ideas and convey them in your music.

Now whilst I was writing this review, I did have a little dig around on the internet and found an interview with the Smogg master himself and Dirk de Klein from back in 2020.Check it out here à SMOGG ANDREW Interview - YouTube It was really interesting to hear how Andrew’s music gave off Sepultura vibes to Dirk de Klein just as it does to me today. Andrew previously used a virtual musical instrument programme called Druminator by a company called Audio Assault. This allowed the versatility of a real drummer without the costs behind it. This got me into thinking how the drum essence had been added to the tracks in this latest Smogg release. In ‘The Chaotic Evil’, Andrew has branched out further and now uses ML Drums by Sound Lab, a modular drum sampler platform that uses natural drum sounds.

I’ve picked two tracks today that I feel really show off the Smogg talent and of course demonstrate the musical skills of Andrew Kirkpatrick himself!

Let’s kick things off with ‘Paper Straws are Bullshit and You Fucking Know it’. Now this track instantly got my attention with its crazy title. Everyone I know hates paper straws! In my opinion they are the most pointless invention ever. Smogg conveys the anger we have all been through when ordering fast food, eating our meal to then find a squidgy mess left in our soft drink. Not appealing in the slightest. At four minutes and forty-four second long, Smogg combines fierce guitar riffs and a catchy head-banging beat to create a sonnet of metal to a mundane life issue. Pure genius! The track begins with what appears to me as Cradle of Filth vibes with a unique Smogg twist. The lyrics are perfectly balanced to convey the anger of the subject, but simple enough to scream along to.

Verse:

Fast food joint, been here before

What are you, hungry for?

…..order!

Got my fries, got my burger

Meat is awesome meat is Murder

…..order!

What is this I see before me it’s a fucking useless paper straw!

Chorus:

…a paper straw!

I can’t take this anymore

…a paper straw!

It’s great when a song makes you smile, and metal is rarely known for this. I especially enjoy how the change in tempo creates a break in the song for eight seconds at two minutes in and gives the audience time to absorb the meaning behind the track.

The second gem that I’m going to delve into has to be ‘Knee Deep in Lies’. This track spoke to me as I’m sure most of us have unfortunately been lied to in our lifetime and it’s great to let a little anger out whilst headbanging to a decent metal track.

Verse:

Don’t forget the fuckin lies you told me with your open eyes no matter what the consequences you’re not coming to your senses

Lies are not believable it’s very inconceivable that you could convince anyone of anything at any time

At only one minute and twenty seconds in length, ‘Knee Deep in Lies’ is reminiscent of letting out feelings in a mad angry burst. Complete with rapid riffs and thrashing drumming the audience can really reflect on the deep hatred being expressed here. I love the way the track ends abruptly with a cymbal crash. Really is the perfect way to bring this spat of energy to a close.

So, there you have it. A pure, 100% metal solo published genius from the heart of Manchester. I really hope Andrew continues to pour his heart and soul into his music and can’t wait to see what concoctions he comes up with next. All hail Smogg!