If you’re in dire need of a new sound, one that is violently loud and aggressively different, get yourself a copy of Heavy Metal Kings. This hard-hitting, unique piece of work viciously stands out and will give you the impression that you’re mentally preparing for the apocalypse.

But before you get ready for the end of times, take a quick glance at the album’s track list. You will most likely believe it’s the product of a death metal band and not a hip-hop album. This would be a fair assumption, but not completely accurate. Heavy Metal Kings certainly has all the familiar head nodding, boom-bap rap characteristics that an underground hip-hop fan looks for, but it’s accompanied by dark and epic lyrical content that a metal fan would deeply appreciate. As a big fan of both genres, it’s hard not to enjoy the musical synthesis of heavy guitars, vinyl scratches, and chopped samples.

These two talented emcees behind Heavy Metal Kings are drastically different from the rest of the industry, yet they’re very similar to each other, which is what made this collaboration such an appropriate move. Vinnie Paz, the front man of the legendary underground hip-hop group Jedi Mind Tricks, and Ill Bill, the front man of the former crew Non-Phixion, have always attracted a similar crowd, so this unity has an already established fan base. With that said, the duo knows their audience and how to effectively reach them, as they’ve been doing so individually for years. Aside from being a smart and profitable business move, this strategic collaboration must be enjoyable as hell for the both of them, which inevitably results in good music.

Heavy Metal Kings begins with the hardcore, gritty intro “Age of Querrel,” which opens up with Ill Bill’s dynamic flow and street sound that paints quite the violent, yet artful picture. This is all followed by the ferocious presence and the loud, distinctive, and raspy voice of Vinnie Paz, whose verbal brush strokes are similar to Bill’s. This track vaguely narrates their plans to conquer, metaphorically and literally, as they use recognizable gangster rap jargon with a complex and creative twist that is not so familiar to the industry.

Skip ahead a track to the controversial and political song “Children of God,” where both emcees address terrorism, political conspiracies, and religious extremism. Move along to “Eye Is The King,” in which Ill Bill spits the hook “Everything William Cooper was talking about then is happening now. Malachi York was way ahead of his time too, it’s wild.” It’s yet another song that artistically addresses conspiracy theories and their fulfilling prophesies. Next, in the song “Impaled Nazarene,” both emcees preach about the end of times and the undeniable signs of a doomsday fast approaching. After briefly describing 4 songs from Heavy Metal Kings, one can see the drastic difference in content from typical mainstream hip-hop, let alone the difference in sound, style, and even album art.

Regardless of whether or not you agree with these controversial ideas, they are conveyed in a unique and unforgettable manner that will have hip-hop fans bumping the album for years to come. The heavy concepts consistently revolving around conspiracy theories, politics, and religion are guaranteed to firmly grasp the attention of listeners and will certainly leave some of them intrigued, wanting to further research the topics discussed. Vinnie and Bill have always preached to their listeners, encouraging them to open their minds and seek the truth, and as a fan, I must admit it’s hard not to do so. Heavy Metal Kings has only amplified that message, and I encourage hip-hop fans to spin this record. If not for enjoyment, do it for the mental stimulation and dive into the controversy.

Heavy Metal Kings Track Listing:

1. Keeper Of The Seven Keys (Produced by C-Lance)
2. Eye Is The King (Produced by Junior Makhno)
3. Impaled Nazarene (Produced by Grand Finale)
4. Children Of God (Produced by ILL Bill)
5. Blood Meridian (Produced by Gem Crates)
6. Oath Of The Goat (Produced by Vherbal)
7. King Diamond (Produced by ILL Bill)
8. The Vice Of Killing featuring Reef the Lost Cauze and Sabac Red (Produced by Sicknature)
9. Devil’s Rebels featuring Crypt the Warchild (Produced by Shuko)
10. Age Of Quarrel (Produced by Jack of all Trades)
11. Metal In Your Mouth featuring Q-Unique and Slaine (Produced by Jack of all Trades)
12. Terror Network (Produced by C-Lance)
13. Leviathan (The Spell Of Kingu) – (Produced by DJ Muggs)
14. The Crown Is Mine (Produced by C-Lance)
15. Splatterfest (Produced by C-Lance)
16. The Final Call (Produced by ILL Bill)

For more on Heavy Metal Kings:
www.heavymetalkings.com
http://www.jmthiphop.com/