HEALTH Streamlines Chaos on “CONFLICT DLC”

Written by Ev Fuss.

​Industrial noise-rock group HEALTH released their album CONFLICT DLC as an expansive collection of b-sides and forgotten demos, bringing a streamlined version of their traditional sound with the help of pop producer Stint.

HEALTH is known for being born in the Los Angeles noise scene and incorporating pop elements through collaborations with both pop artists and producers, making the genre more accessible to those who may not be ready for a full-on metal-noise genre deep dive. I first found the group through their collaboration with The Neighbourhood on the track “NO ESCAPE,” which performs well as an indie-rock song sprinkled with elements of the noise genre through production and synthesized sound. Since then, I’ve casually listened to new releases and admired the group's consistency in creating unique and interesting tracks within the noise genre, making me anticipate all new releases, but especially CONFLICT DLC.

As a casual listener, I can’t fully speak to the album’s significance within the group’s broader release pattern, especially given their tendency to issue multiple variations of projects alongside larger album cycles filled with collaborations and B-sides. What can be said, however, is that the CONFLICT DLC is notably more lyric-forward than noise-driven, maintaining a consistently melancholic and introspective tone that aligns closely with the emotional core of the group’s discography. The album is also seemingly more mainstream than their prior projects, though this doesn’t seem to stray long-term fans away. Collaborating with Stint positions the group to broaden their reach while still leaving room to experiment, striking a balance between accessibility and artistic growth that could define their next phase. Through its layers of melancholy, CONFLICT DLC remains quietly kinetic, with beats that invite a steady foot tap in any setting, guided by subtle shifts in tempo and melody that keep each track unfolding with a sense of anticipation.

The group will be going on tour in Spring 2026 alongside artists Carpenter Brut and Desire, who are known for their role in the synthwave and electronic genre. Tickets can be found on the group's official website. Stream CONFLICT DLC wherever you get your music.

Follow HEALTH on Instagram and check out their music on streaming platforms!