'The Bear's Matty Matheson announces debut album with band Pig Pen, drops new single 'Mental Mentality' – NME

It features Alexisonfire guitarist Wade MacNeil, and explores themes of „mental health shit“
The Bear star Matty Matheson has announced a new album with his hardcore band Pig Pen, with a new single available to stream now.
The Canadian chef, restaurateur, and actor launched the new band in March, performing their first gig at Sneaky Dees in Toronto on April 25. The band comprises of Alexisonfire guitarist Wade MacNeil and other friends/musicians, with Matheson on vocals.
Now, the band have announced their first releases, having signed with record label Flatspot Records. The album ‘Mental Madness’ will be released June 27, with the single ‘Mental Mentality’ out now.
To pre-order the album, click here. You can listen to the single below.

Matheson plays Neil Fak in The Bear, the loyal handyman at the titular restaurant and the longtime friend of the Berzatto family. He also serves as an executive producer on the show, lending his expertise as a successful food writer and chef.
A press release described the band’s sound as “tough, harsh, intense, noisy, soulful – a blitz of pure hardcore energy”. The theme of the album speaks to what Matheson calls “mental health shit”.
“You can be having a beautiful day, surrounded by friends,” he explained, “and your brain can continuously ruin it. No matter how good or bad your life is, you can still hate yourself. I’ve got to ask myself why am I feeling the ways I’m feeling?”
1. ‘Rabid Beach’
2. ‘Heat Wave’
3. ‘Pig Pen’
4. ‘Power Love Train’
5. ‘Mental Mentality’
6. ‘Highway’
7. ‘Venom Moon Rising’
8. ‘Problem Mind’
9. ‘Howl & Veil’
10. ‘XJXIXDX’
Recently, Matty Matheson announced a UK and European tour of his new cookbook, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, which was released in late 2024. Last month, The Bear’s showrunner confirmed the release date of season four.
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