Devour (Pharmakon album)

Devour is the fourth full-length studio album by Pharmakon, the noise project of Margaret Chardiet. It was released on August 30, 2019, through Sacred Bones Records.

Devour explores themes of self-cannibalization, both literal and metaphorical. It delves into the ways in which individuals and societies consume themselves, either through destructive habits, self-inflicted suffering, or societal structures that lead to internal decay. The album's aggressive and abrasive soundscapes reflect this theme of intense, destructive consumption.

The album's track titles often directly reference themes of ingestion and self-destruction, such as "Homeostasis," "Spit It Out," and "Self-Regulating System." The harsh noise and industrial textures, combined with Chardiet's visceral vocals, create an overwhelming and claustrophobic atmosphere intended to mirror the feeling of being consumed from within.

Reception to Devour was generally positive, with critics noting the album's intensity, its exploration of complex themes, and its further refinement of Pharmakon's established noise aesthetic. It is often considered one of Pharmakon's most conceptually and sonically challenging works.