"(A) Senile Animal" is the 15th album by the American rock band Melvins, released on October 10, 2006, through Ipecac Recordings. Following the departure of bassist Kevin Rutmanis, the two remaining members teamed up with Big Business, a duo featuring Jared Warren on bass and Coady Willis on drums.
On the lineup change, frontman Buzz Osborne shared his thoughts in a 2008 interview with Kerrang!, expressing the initial discouragement he and drummer Dale Crover felt after Rutmanis' exit. Osborne explained that after 18 months of uncertainty, they decided to collaborate with Big Business. They considered bringing in both Warren and Willis, believing that this move would be beneficial. He reflected positively on the decision to include Willis, stating that the record turned out to be one of his favorites and hinted at the potential for future collaborations with the new lineup.
A music video for "The Talking Horse" was released in 2007. The song "A History of Bad Men" featured in the film I Know Who Killed Me and the TV show True Detective.
Musically, (A) Senile Animal showcases the Melvins' signature sludge and stoner metal sound. AllMusic critic Greg Prato noted the band's evolution from a primarily punk band to incorporating elements of prog rock, highlighting the intricate rhythms of tracks like "Blood Witch" and the King Crimson/Tool influences on "The Hawk." The album also includes some of their most straightforward compositions in recent years, such as the metallic/new wave-inspired "A History of Drunks."
