PIG PEN UNLEASH HARDCORE CHAOS ON NEW SINGLE “VENOM MOON RISING”

Photo Credit: Patrick Moore

Montreal’s hardcore juggernaut Pig Pen—helmed by culinary star Matty Matheson and Alexisonfire guitarist Wade MacNeil—has unleashed their third blistering single, “Venom Moon Rising,” marking yet another relentless strike from their upcoming debut album Mental Madness. The explosive track drops June 27 via Flatspot Records and delivers a potent fusion of hardcore aggression and raw rock ’n’ roll swagger.

Clocking in at just over three minutes, “Venom Moon Rising” is a sonic juggernaut that rips through with chugging riffs, thunderous drums, and a vicious vocal delivery. Matheson and MacNeil’s creative synergy is undeniable—what started during the pandemic as casual riff sessions fueled by Chinese takeout turned into a full-on hardcore assault. Bands these days don’t write ten songs in a day… and then record them the next, but Pig Pen did just that.

The title “Venom Moon Rising” nods to the dark, almost primal undercurrent flowing through Mental Madness. The album digs into themes of mental health, isolation, and taking your brain hostage—topics that hit close to home and are reflected in the feral intensity of every track. But make no mistake: this is a crew having a hell of a time doing it. The camaraderie between the band members—brought together by long-term friendship and a shared passion for hardcore—is evident in their collective roar.

As part of the buzz-building rollout for Mental Madness, “Venom Moon Rising” follows previously released tracks like “Rabid Beach” and “Mental Mentality,” signaling a band that’s pacing their blitzkrieg of noise with surgical precision. It’s a no-filler setup, a statement of intent built on brute force and tight musicianship.

“Venom Moon Rising” slams you into a wall with primal riffs, urgency, and hardcore vitality. It’s a no-holds-barred declaration that Pig Pen is more than a passion project—they’re a hardcore heavyweight ready to leave a mark. With Mental Madness looming, they’re poised to inject the scene with fresh, unfiltered energy. Stay tuned—this moon’s got teeth.