Review Summary: $uicideboy$ once again show why they have become expert architects of dark, macabre atmosphere within trap music with Eternal Grey
For the last couple of years New Orleans rap group, $uicideboy$, have been releasing projects at an incredible rate, each one building on their bleak and grimy sound. Also, despite their fast-paced recording process, their projects hardly ever show a drop in quality.
Eternal Grey, the duo’s latest project, may not be incredibly innovative or depart from their signature style in a remarkable way but this album is sure to satisfy the hardcore following surrounding them.
The intro, “BREAKDALAW2K16” is sinister and nightmare induced trap, Ruby and $uicide Christ deliver their verses similar to old school Three 6 Mafia, the sample and title a reference to
Mystic Stylez. [/i]Eternal Grey’s[/i] opener sets the tone for the rest of the album. Their lyrics are still uncompromisingly grim and violent yet still bound to the typical genre tropes found in trap music; their short song structures although help make the bleak atmosphere more impactful. Because at the heart of the duo’s abilities, $uicideboy$ are expert architects of atmosphere. The violin on “CHARIOTS OF FIRE” add an eerie dimension to the deep inflections in their voices and the sampled dialogue of Mulder from
The X-Files at the start of “I WANT TO BELIEVE” is haunting. Throughout, the two rappers have grungy cadences paired with fluid flow transitions that evoke sizzurped enhanced Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
A surprising element is the new addition of screaming at near demonic levels on various tracks throughout
Eternal Grey. “I WANT TO BELIEVE” and “ULTIMATE $UICIDE” are the closest thing $uicideboy$ have done to meet the intensity of heavy metal and screamo. It’s the one not so subtle style change that may cause even hardcore fans to debate how effective it is and the most inaccessible part of this record for newer listeners. $uicideboy$ are best when they exist within their dark, trap colored cloud rap, which
Eternal Grey certainly does execute. It's when the screaming is reserved for just one verse within a song or portions of a verse that those heavy metal elements become more impactful and jarring to hear. When it comes down to "Ultimate $UICIDE" vs. "I WANT TO BELIEVE," the former is more successful and interesting because of the sparring usage of those more hardcore elements.
At 14 tracks,
Eternal Grey is an impressive project and has a lot to offer despite the often repetitive and unoriginal lyrics at times. Great features from Pouya, Yung Simmie and Denzel Curry also help provide more diversity to $uicideboy$’ occasional monochromatic voices. As these elements converge the brash and wicked become more exciting to explore within this rap group’s universe.
$uicideboy$ are worth following,
Eternal Grey an awesome addition to their growing musical catalog and vision.
