Review / 200 Words Or Less
The Arson Choir
Invisible Monsters

War Against Records (2020) Robert Miklos (Piro)

The Arson Choir – Invisible Monsters cover artwork
The Arson Choir – Invisible Monsters — War Against Records, 2020

The Arson Choir are another fine representative of the new wave of American mathcore. They’re a pretty young band, but they have a lot of power in them and they sure know how to lay it down. Their balls to the wall delivery paired with chunky and groovy riffs, as well as the classic dissonant screeches is very appropriate and well executed.

Invisible Monsters is their second release, a four track EP, which gives us the goods just as we like them – fucking heavy and relentless. I couldn’t put my finger on any particular aspect that makes their blend of mathcore unique. I can definitely say that they’re recognizable as soon as the music starts playing. I may be tempted to compare them to something else or straight up confuse them, but ultimately it doesn’t happen.

I’m pretty certain that we can expect great things from this band, as it’s brimming with potential all around. Be sure to slap them on your radar if you’re even remotely into mathcore and/or heavy and chaotic stuff.

The Arson Choir – Invisible Monsters cover artwork
The Arson Choir – Invisible Monsters — War Against Records, 2020

Recently-posted album reviews

Miller Lowlifes

Pinch Hitters
ADD Records (2025)

The debut album from Florida punk band Miller Lowlifes features a vintage baseball theme, best enjoyed with a can of cheap domestic beer in hand. The metaphor fits, as Pinch Hitters focuses on the American dream -- and where it stands in 2025. The vintage educational TV audio clips add to this past-meets-present theme. It's an album that's equally about … Read more

Art Brut

Sorry, That It Doesn't Sound Like It's Planned! Battling Satan, 2009 - 2020
Edsel Records (2025)

I’ve never reviewed a box set before but Art Brut released my favourite sprechgesang anti-art-punk album of the early aughts so I figured I’d give it a go. 2005’s Bang Bang Rock & Roll placed Art Brut among the “Art Wave” scene but was more post-punk revival than “Indie Sleaze”. Argos has cited Jonathan Richman and Axl Rose as his … Read more

The Slow Death

No Light To See
Don’t Sing Records (2025)

Few bands have as fitting a name as The Slow Death. They play forlorn, self-deprecating punk that’s heavily influenced by lonesome country. The music itself is more driving and punchy, but many of the lyrics would fit just well in a somber old-timey country ballad. It’s forceful music that punches inward instead of at The Man. The first song is … Read more