Album Review: Rats In The Control Room by Suppression
Released in 2015 under Chaotic Noise Productions, Rats In The Control Room is a relentless assault on the senses that captures the raw essence of grindcore and noise rock. Hailing from the US, Suppression—led by performers Jason Hodges and Ryan Parrish—deliver an album that feels like it was recorded in the bowels of some industrial nightmare. And honestly? That’s exactly what makes it so damn good.
This record doesn’t mess around. With tracks like “Jaws Of Death / Get Beefed America!” and “TerrorVision,” you’re thrown headfirst into a chaotic mosh pit of sound. Let’s break down why these two tracks stick out.
“Jaws Of Death / Get Beefed America!” kicks things off with a punch to the gut (literally). It’s fast, abrasive, and unapologetically loud. The track blends screeching vocals with machine-gun drumming, creating this overwhelming sense of urgency. You can almost picture Jason and Ryan losing their minds in the studio while recording this beast. What sticks with me most is how it transitions seamlessly between chaos and groove—a rare balance for grindcore. By the time the chant-like “Get Beefed America!” section hits, you’re either screaming along or questioning your life choices. Either way, mission accomplished.
Then there’s “TerrorVision.” This one’s got a nastier edge, leaning heavily into the noise side of their style. The riffs are jagged, almost as if they were cut with a chainsaw, and the production leaves just enough grit to make your ears bleed—but not too much. There’s something hypnotic about the way the song builds tension before exploding into pure mayhem. It’s short, sharp, and leaves you wanting more, kinda like biting into a jalapeño popper only to realize it’s hotter than hell.
What really sets Rats In The Control Room apart is its refusal to conform. Tracks bleed into each other, titles repeat but never quite sound the same, and the whole thing feels like a fever dream. Songs like “Pig Man / Water Baron” and “Fecal Breath” might raise eyebrows, but they also remind you that music doesn’t always have to be pretty to be powerful.
If I had to nitpick, the sheer density of ideas packed into 24 tracks could overwhelm casual listeners. But hey, who said grindcore was supposed to be easy listening? For fans of the genre, this album is a goldmine.
Reflecting on Rats In The Control Room, it’s clear Suppression isn’t here to hold your hand. They’re here to shake you awake, slap you upside the head, and maybe even make you laugh along the way. Who else would title a track “The Devil Wears Flip Flops”? As the final notes fade out, you’re left wondering: did I just survive a musical apocalypse—or start one?
Final verdict? If you love grindcore and noise rock, this album’s a no-brainer. Just don’t blame me if your neighbors complain.
Rating: 8.5/10
