HEALTH - RAT WARS ALBUM REVIEW

[@CodexEntry]

HEALTH remains the band which I am the most surprised that Anthony doesn't like. Nice to have reassurance that I can intensely disagree with him.

[@christianhackl474]

He gave it a 6 out of 10 tho. So his rating's not bad tho

[@ashenhunter1]

Seriously though, after listening to it, I thought he’d give it a 9 or 10

[@parkermitchell1244]

HEALTH and Alex G are the two artists I find myself disagreeing with Anthony. It is a good reassurance that I'm not just copying his opinions.

[@ChadKing69]

Agreeing with Fantano on anything is normie and gay

[@SageMustDie]

The rare Ruby Seals crossover appearance

[@th3mdt]

If it weren't HEALTH's fault you were unloved when you were a child, this album would have been a 10.

[@Blaza303]

He lost HEALTH after that one, bud

[@Nomimesh]

He sleeps with the light on, he dislikes health again and again and again.

[@majimasmajimemes1156]

"Least fav track: CHILDREN OF SORROW" 🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@_gorezone_]

I know! That's one of the best tracks!

[@ChadKing69]

Fantano is a wannabe 4chan troll

[@cpi3267]

that's literally the best song

[@xelence420]

**Willie Alder riffing in the background to this comment**

[@thc_freebaser]

DSM-V tho @@cpi3267

[@avebave6550]

I like the part where he sings "I'm the giant rat that makes all of the wars"

[@ChadKing69]

I love the part where he says Fantano was unloved as a child

[@farhanzafar6129]

I love the part where he sings 'stop being an unfunny clown'

[@ladystarfire]

“Lets see what kind of hateful we can get us intooo”

[@krusher181]

@@ladystarfireI was kinda sad and then I read these comments. Now I’m damn near done with life! Thanks! TRY ANOTHER

[@Lighthouse1810]

Album is a 9/10. I'm obsessed! I knew Fantano wouldn't like it

[@christianhackl474]

He gave it a 6 out of 10 tho. So his rating's not bad tho

[@BigRig12]

Anything that’s good he doesn’t like

[@ChadKing69]

Fantano doesn’t like good music that’s why he loves Death Grips

[@tarn35]

honestly a 6 from him for something not hip hop is really high

[@Outcast257]

@@ChadKing69 I happen to love death grips and health so...

[@HeavyHorndal]

Totally see where Fantano is coming from, but I fuckin' love this album. Maybe I've just fallen hook, line, and sinker for the "new" HEALTH sound, but I can't get enough of tracks like CHILDREN OF SORROW and DSM-V.

[@jessebunuel2073]

DSM-V is fuckin incredible. I wanna see HEALTH try some new shit but I do love what they’re cooking rn

[@xelence420]

CUM METAL

[@caretakerrr123]

DSMV kicks some good, juicy, elementyal bootie if you ask me :D

[@jordancrookes9525]

Love this band. HEALTH doing a good job keeping Industrial music alive in 2010s-2020s

[@l1p0v]

I would love to have Death Magic 2, but it seems like they are taking Sleep Token route and are trying to get a following from zoomer audiences. Not that it's bad or anything.

[@Cessate]

I don't disagree with domeboi often, but this is one of the rare times coming from a long time lover for all things industrial. Health is the only thing to keep the 90s vibe alive imo. Leaether Strip. VNV Nation. Collide. KMFDM. Early NIN. Godflesh. Even a hint of Melvins and Cave In. I'm bias af. HEALTH can do no wrong.

[@vita_gratis]

They put on a fucking killer show, too. Saw them with Perturbator in 2022 and it was the best show I've ever seen

[@TarboxArt]

@@vita_gratisI saw that tour too! In Austin. Seeing them again this March headlining can’t wait

[@vita_gratis]

@@TarboxArt Nice! Same here, in Toronto. Stoked for it

[@negative6442]

@@vita_gratis Ay I went in NYC, easily the one of the best shows I've been to. I actually didn't know who Health was going in, and was only there for Pert lol.

[@vita_gratis]

​@negative6442 been listening to Pert since 2012~ so I feel that. Got into health a few years ago and when the tour was announced I just about lost my mind, lmao

[@birdbrain4445]

This album is straight flames. Really consistent track list imo, very well-built as an album experience, love the sounds and atmospheres all across it. Def entered my regular rotation.

[@byronridenour4585]

I agree, I think it’s their strongest album to date

[@sumacmusac]

this is why I'm glad I have the awareness that 6 is a positive score. I checked out the album and it rocks so hard,,, so so good. HATEFUL is one of my favorite songs of the year for suuuure

[@l1p0v]

Their album teaser with dancing anime girls is the best music video of this year.

[@TarboxArt]

100% think it’s their best album too

[@ChadKing69]

It’s their best album Fantano is just gay

[@CKT1138]

I dunno I generally love these newer HEALTH albums, and I adored Slaves Of Fear, one of the best industrial albums of the 2010s IMO.

[@peterbigg2461]

Slaves of fear fucking rocks, one of my favourite albums of that year and comfortably my favourite of theirs

[@CKT1138]

@@peterbigg2461 I'm so glad I saw them on tour for that one

[@djusdj]

Mid band mid music

[@CKT1138]

@@djusdj mid user mid comment

[@FESTIVUSIVDRUMMER]

This band absolutely crush live.

[@warwicksworkshop9511]

I've never seen them, but I'm going to this Feb. I have a feeling these songs will go off.

[@_gorezone_]

Definitely one of the best touring bands right now

[@AdiaShardae]

They are beyond stellar live. I've seen them 3 times and they DO NOT disappoint. 10\10

[@gokce339-d9s]

seen them this week, can honestly say it was the best concert experience of my life

[@craziestboyever]

If this album was called ‘Hood hottest rat’, you would’ve given it a strong 8

[@ChadKing69]

Sad but true

[@ChadKing69]

Fantano it’s not their fault that you were unloved as a child

[@yamizion]

I think this album is fire. I actually really liked Children of Sorrow and Sicko. My favorite track is probably Unloved though.

[@thejollydude1907]

me too

[@thehomelessbagel]

Fantano CONSTANTLY giving HEALTH a bad rap for no reason

[@apeheadboink]

or for the reasons he said lol and gave them a decent score

[@drinfernodds]

​@sharrrrk5683 people forget that an album rated 6 means Anthony still likes it.

[@apeheadboink]

@@drinfernodds anything not an 8 or higher means he thinks its trash. and if they think its trash but he gives a good score thats a problem too, as we saw recently lol

[@No1TypeC]

6 is literally above average guys

[@OrbitZombie]

​@@No1TypeCI think a lot of people associate 1-10 scale with grades and percentages. Like in school. I see 6/10 and immediately think 60% which is a D grade.

[@mannyandnataliarodriguez8744]

This album is the entire reason I waited to make my top 25 this year because i knew it had a spot on there. This album is fantastic imo!!!

[@mannyandnataliarodriguez8744]

I wanted to add that I’m obsessed with ASHAMED(OF BEING BORN) and UNLOVED. They are def the most emotional moments of the album and I just love when HEALTH leans into that emotion and heartache

[@JupiterJazzy17]

I would give this album at least 8/10. I think Jake's vocals are what make the band sound so unique & his lyrics hit like bricks. I love the juxtaposition of his soft, androgynous voice against the heavy, grinding music.🖤

[@Dwesk]

I love the album, probably most consistent release by them, even if I do agree that some songs could've been longer and/or more fleshed out (SICKO for example), the weirdest thing is that there's barely any bands like them these days, and they do this kind of genre blend quite confidently and adding their own spin on it while simultaneously having almost no peers, at least not in this decade, so it's pretty much impossible for me not to love and constantly spin their music, especially in colder, darker months of the year, it's not quite dark moody post-punk, but it pulverizes just the right spots.

[@EstusSlushy]

The fact that you barely even touched on ashamed is criminal. That song is such an amazing callback to some of the death magic stuff like Life and LA Looks with it's more festival synth pop vibes. I want health to make another noise record so bad but as long as they are pumping out these bangers that are simultaneously uplifting and deeply depressing on so many relatable levels I am here for it. Hearing a super saw and reese synths in a health song is actually kind of surprising to me. It has so many elements of traditional (and rather boring) house music like Ellie Goulding and zedd and shit like that but with their unique depressive twist on that style. It blew my fucking mind the first time I heard it.

[@ludwigok4694]

WE MAKING IT OUT THE KITCHEN WITH THIS ONE 🔥

[@Bar4BarOfficial]

Anthony, just because the album gave you a flashback to your mom’s cooking you loved as a child doesn’t mean you can hire HEATH to work at your French restaurant.

[@hpspacecraft713]

As someone who isn't really a metal fan i assumed this album wouldn't be for me when i heard the metally riffs but when the industrial/techno elements and shoegaze vocals came in i was floored

[@hudsonross420]

If this was titled To Pimp A Rat you’d give it a 10

[@sammyboy447]

Will this joke ever die

[@nicholassimon1419]

I feel like we are getting a bit lazy

[@xenophon2199]

@@sammyboy447it’s not a joke

[@andi8768]

Booo

[@krinkles147]

did you even try

[@hunterlindquist9281]

Health should start doing video game soundtracks again

[@zerodollarbird]

They sort of did, "HATEFUL" was originally done for the spectacle fighter game Ultrakill.

[@felipeneves7260]

They made a song for Cyberpunk 2077 iirc. It also showed up in the anime

[@ohitspep]

TEARS is still such a killer track

[@rybo0072]

They never stopped, they've done some sound scapes on scorn, a track for cyberpunk and a few more that I can't think of off the top of my head

[@glovishly]

@@zerodollarbird I don't think Ultrakill is a fighter game.

[@noahzavala4230]

gamethony gametano is now one step closer to knowing what ultrakill is

[@jackc9175]

This album is their most accessible, but it's honestly fantastic. Melon misses yet again.

[@RickPoloTube]

It album is great! If Fantano gives it a mid review, chances are it’s an 8-10. I’m giving this a 9.

[@bigdrippy4104]

i like this direction of HEALTH but i feel like they could really bring back some of the lighter, more club-style stuff they did before death magic and especially before slaves of fear. either or is good

[@jesse76th96]

Their patreon has tracks that weren't put on this album but they teased it for the next version. It fits that club vibe. The tracks in this album tho are all heavy af

[@dustinmontanna]

Album rules, deserves at least a 8 imo. Glad to see you give it some light though.

[@peach_total]

i LOVE slaves of fear. this album does feel a little too sonically similar at points for me, but i’m still pretty new to it. HEALTH has a very consistent sound but it’s very much THEIR sound

[@rexgodtherager6861]

TO PIMP A RAT

[@VuotoPneumaNN]

The Godflesh feat is not a feat, it's a sample

[@ilyas_claymore]

Godflesh brought me to this band, and i'm not mad

[@m00nraise]

Gotta say, this Album is a 9/10 to me. All their singles have come together to form a much bigger thing, and I cant help but listen to this Album start to finish in the order of the track listing to really get it. Personally my favourite album of the year, which Fantano enjoyed Jakes Vocals more, they really do carry some weight.

[@Petalflipper]

Yeah I feel like Health is one that I don't get why people fell off on it (Except a few albums), because this is honestly probably their best period. At least in the industrial realm.

[@kennethbaker5573]

Not the biggest fan but I saw them open for show me the body and daughters a while back and they killed it live. They’re goated for that max payne 3 sound track tho

[@TheRandomhobo123]

Wow, a 6? I'm surprised. This album is definitely an 8 or 9/10 for me

[@Hamokk]

I kinda found Health again with the RAT WARS. Some tracks have a interesting mix of house/goth. I listen heavy / hard rock / goth, so the album spoke to me.

[@r-pupz7032]

For me, this album is a triumph. It's everything I hoped a new HEALTH album would be. I understand it isn't for everyone, but it feels like it was made for me tbh

[@Kaceydotme]

I'm a massive HEALTH fan and while I'm a bit warmer on some of the tracks here (particularly DSM-V), I sort of agree. Maybe it's because of how incredible DISCO4 1/2 were, or how much I adored Slaves of Fear, but RAT WARS feels a little muted in impact after those two.

[@wannabtrish7797]

How… can you not love Jake’s vocals!!!! 😮 I love health cause it’s so loud and aggressive but his voice is so angelic and brings some sad peacefulness that gives me hope in this grim world we live in… and ashamed fuck we can all relate to that track. In one way or another of you truly connect with the lyrics

[@sachitechless]

Anthony you can't just drop a sentence like "HEALTH has a lot of band-to-band rizz" and just move on with the rest of the review what

[@frankshavers7840]

Man seeing a 6 here is so sad. Also Children Of Sorrow is so fucking good.

[@Lighthouse1810]

I knew of HEALTH. decided to check out album on December 8th. My AOTY by end of December 9th

[@davidcwk01]

Whole album fucks tbh

[@branchdravidian]

Anthony PLEASEEEE review the new full of hell/nothing

[@Jeh2032]

“Band to band rizz”oh god.

[@GustavoSilva-mn1dp]

If it was named Shrimp Wars you would give it a 9. Unfair Anthony.

[@thomasanthony5021]

Am I alone in thinking that Fantano only gives records with “interesting twists” and “new takes” good reviews? You don’t have to change the fucking world to produce a fucking masterful album. This is one of the best records in the genre I’ve ever heard and just because it doesn’t substantially change the genre doesn’t make it bad. Several great records don’t shirt the direction of the genre and are still great. Fantano has some great takes but this one is a massive L. This critic has too much influence and I personally think he’s a damaging element in the music industry and to artists.

[@tylerloux5593]

10 out of 10 for me but I can see why some people don't like it. The "of all else" track is supposed to be a repetitive techno style track which isn't everyone's thing but I fucking love it.

[@rexian_247]

I actually think this is one of the best albums i might have heard of, so i would give it a 10/10 this album is just beautiful, the sounds, effects and everything is perfect on this album and i dont even know them that long i was actually discovering health after sleep tokens concert in berlin, their live performance was noisy but somehow i loved it

[@jamie000]

Slaves was a monster, and Rat Wars feels like the natural progression off it. I dont mind the Disco albums, but they don't feel as cohesive imo. Some collabs stand out far more than others, and im always happy when then band can strip it down to their own essential elements.

[@-pROvAK]

Absolutely fantastic Album. Health is the greatest music that humanity has ever produced

[@gumduck2504]

No WAY you said SICKO and DSM-V are kinda mid. Imo they both are highlights of that album. SICKO works really well with the repeating lyrics and DSM-V (while not being something super unique) is still a damn good track.

[@MrPlayGuy]

Yoo, anthony snuck my opinion about my own birth into the fav tracks!

[@neurodjinn]

Nah son. Slaves of fear is essential.

[@tech-preistryzan9988]

Of course fantanos taking the L on this one. He comes out swinging against health than says charlie xcx is good for making brat.

[@williamcampbell4035]

The shit Fantano actually likes makes me more excited for the stuff he's not excited about

[@morganitEm00NrAVEN]

Feel that. His taste seems to get WORSE over the years. I used to actually like stuff that he liked, like Weyes Blood, Street Sects, etc.

[@liminalmind2771]

This album is a fucking 10/10, probably HEALTH’s most cohesive and refined sounding album to date. It is a JOURNEY of an album with a super satisfying last 5 songs

[@TheMetalTempestYT]

health's albums imo just continuously seem to linger on this infinite spiral staircase of build-up that never actually leads anywhere to payoff. they're great at writing just, solid, inoffensive music that is so neutral to the ears, but can never actually tie it up with a bow to make it feel like the journey through an album was anything other than wallpaper; just bubblegum that you chew the flavor out of then spit out. its, fine LMAO

[@Nel_Annette]

I think that's my main issue with them, yeah. I [like] the band but the past few albums have a lot of songs that feel like they end just before they get to the good part.

[@nicholassimon1419]

Hard agree. Also the vocals just often don’t really fit. I did see them live at a festival once which was great if I recall correctly

[@moloids]

Crescendos are so cliche. They definitely could do it, it's pure painting by numbers to pull that off. Happy that they are too proud to go that route.

[@lobabobloblaw]

Yeah, just flavors, vibes. Just cream, no ice

[@DM72513]

Found HEALTH in the last year or so as I heard their songs with Perturbator and Lamb of God. This is a throwback Industrial Metal album mixed with pop vocals.

[@silexaurelius]

bro has the worst taste in history

[@FaithFallRepentGraceRepeat]

I agreed with this review. Health have painted themselves in a nice corner that most people can find appealing. I was a bit disappointed with the extension tracks though.

[@pavelsvacha]

While i personaly love this album and i think the track DSM-V has a fun little callback to the DEMIGODS opener, i see where you're coming from with your criticisms.

[@BR0K3NARCH3TYP3]

Ashamed is such a great track

[@charlespancamo9771]

No matter who you are or whatever context you think you are delivering the rating from, 6 is just an insanely low numher for this album.

[@kevindelaney5440]

Im not gonna lie- ive been watching your videos and studying your upper lip. At first I was confident it was just a mustache, but now I think its fake.

[@nateszigeti3653]

I like the inclusion of HATEFUL in the game Ultrakill

[@NathanTowles]

I literally found out about health cause of their Ultrakill collab and they became an instant favorite for me Which means that Ultrakill is so good it introduced me to my favorite band lol

[@chrisdeuel3828]

Anthony I don’t know if you’ve mentioned it before and I just never saw but I would love a review of the self titled debut from Agriculture 🙏

[@Milo-ed4fn]

could i please get your thoughts on Q's Soul,Present that came out this year? One of the most infectious albums ive heard and i was late to this one

[@senorelias1014]

this album is a 10/10 if u love the crystal castle 1,2 era..if not yeah maybe its not perfect

[@TroubledTrooper]

I listened to this while running today, kickass.

[@__toad]

children of sorrow is the best track though

[@absoluteconfiguration]

fantano do you know what ultrakill is

[@connorhuested]

Favorite album of 2023.

[@remixisthis]

I agree with Fantano a lot on the vocals. It holds them back from being a serious classic band and more into a cult thing. They don't even have to completely remove it, but add some variety to the style or sound of vocals. It's kinda weird because when they feature other vocalists, it doesn't mesh as well

[@Saurbjalla]

I could have done without those pointless instrumental interludes that were tagged onto the end of two of the songs but apart from them i think this record is great.

[@c_huntermc]

Not gonna lie, this is "album of the year" contender for me, and it's only the beginning of February! I can see where some might not like the disaffected vocals, but for me it adds a strong counterpoint to the heavy industrial instrumentation.

[@thatzapherguy4066]

thats like your opinion man, this album fucking rocks

[@perfectenrager]

I really don't understand what this guy actually sees in music before rating them. His reviews are almost always so bad.

[@rybo0072]

Always been a huge fan of healths industrial tinged noise rock but the vocals have always been the weakest link to the band imo but its the vocals that give health such a unique twist on the genre so its a wierd one for me

[@Skulgar321]

The vocals are either the strongest or the weakest part in many of their songs for me. It's kinda the problem with Jake having such a distinct voice, it doesn't always work out right, but when it hits, it hits

[@AdiaShardae]

The thing is that Jake's vocals haven't ever really been the main forefront of the band. It's not meant to be the standout.

[@MelonMan666]

To late fellow Melon, i already decided that the album fucks

[@GrimReader]

Melon has just never got HEALTH

[@mutantfreak48]

HEALTH's albums continue to be mostly just OK Computer.

[@vfd10]

i wish you would review some the things you’d been mentioning you wanted to review (namely KNOWER FOREVER) instead of more recent drops you aren’t feeling any strong emotions on

[@feIps_]

thank you for always showing me great new bands!

[@nunchukGun]

Pretty much every criticism is "I just didn't like it but I think you shouldn't either"

[@sidspassion8591]

where is the pink floyd worst to best fantano

[@spencerk.mp3]

Can’t believe they ripped off Taylor Swift’s Midnights for this album cover

[@ignacioscheid8296]

ELBOW, 'Audio vertigo' (2024)

[@Metallizombie]

Maybe I’m weird. I really like this one. It’s good vibe music. I could see this in the background during a show or intimate time 😂

[@berkeleyisonline160]

their first album will always be peak for me. ive tried to listen to what theyve done afterwards and it just doesn't hit the same.

[@TaxEvader420]

The main DSM-V riff sounds like Radio by Rammstein it's pretty funny to me. The album is definitely uneven but some great songs on there, I think it's their best

[@joesaiditstrue]

RIP Crystal Castles T_T

[@GlintstoneMagic]

literally just discovered anthony a few weeks ago and its becoming clear that the lower the album scores, the better it truly is 💀

[@Pennycrossed]

this was my first HEALTH album, i found it to be VERY solid! 6 might be a little too low, its at least a 7! but it is a bit too samey for an 8. really did like this album though! that said nothing to be said about DON'T TRY? the best track?

[@AROAH]

I was expecting a 7, but I get it. I wish HEALTH could make a consistently strong album, but it's as if they always come up with 4 or 5 bangers and then fill the rest of the album with half-baked ideas.

[@decimat_ixn]

i'll be honest, i got into HEALTH a little bit later on in their career (i'd say a little after Slaves of Fear and was already a big enough fan when DISCO4 Part 1 came out) and idk, as much i respected and loved their older sound, i got used to their newer sound more and Rat Wars had a lot of Slave of Fear's DNA which i adored so much but i know Anthony didn't. kinda wished they carried on with the aesthetic they had initially for Death Magic, i missed that era ngl

[@MaleTears]

If it was called Pound Rat Town..

[@maxyboy9648]

Unloved hit like a truck

[@xBIGGIx]

This album fucking rules

[@davidmora3510]

In loving memory Sean leon