Review Summary: The Insane Clown Posse goes to hell. If that doesn't get your attention, nothing will.
The Delray-based Insane Clown Posse developed an original blend of hip-hop beats, rock-driven accompaniment, horror-themed lyrics and a heavy metal approach to rapping.
Hell's Pit is a release that would probably appeal the most to non-fans. Not only is it the most hip-hop oriented of ICP's work, it also features some of the most intelligent and eloquent lyrics in their catalog.
Hell's Pit is the second half of
The Wraith, the final in a series of "Joker's Cards". The previous half,
Shangri-La, revealed that ICP follows God, and that the real message behind their music was always to follow Him and make it to Heaven.
Hell's Pit is the dark half of the final Joker's Card, a message to the rest of humanity. The songs on
Hell's Pit are about the many ways in which you can be tricked by the Devil or demonic spirits into committing acts of murder and mayhem, setting you on the straight path into the pits of hell.
"The Night of the 44", a sequel to "The Night of the Axe" off ICP's
Carnival of Carnage album, sees Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope going on a murder spree with a .44 Magnum. "Basehead Attack" has Shaggy fending off crack-addicted zombies, and the album ends with "Real Underground Baby", a 13-minute instrumental with brief clips offering an overview of ICP's long career. The album features a bonus DVD which will contain either a concert performance and a music video, or a 30-minute 3D horror film.
Aside from "Bowling Balls", none of the songs are particularly fun-oriented. There is less screaming in ICP's rapping, and there are no giggly voices or fluctuations. Instead, ICP offers some of the best horror-oriented rap committed to record. On the road of life, some of us will reach our final destination...Shangri-La. Others will be misled by The Witch. Jake and Jack Jeckel will mess up their juggling act. The crank of the riddle box will be turned the wrong way. For these people, hell's pit awaits.
