Chicago, Illinois emcee Novatore celebrates Halloween with an early release of his 14th studio record. As a member of the Inknown Crew, he has also built an impressive solo career over nearly a decade, releasing 4 EPs and working with AM Early Morning on the critically acclaimed Kingdom of Crimeity, produced by Stu Bangas, and the latest sequel, produced by Johnny Slash. Other highlights include Louis, Louis II, Embracing the Dark, Portrait of a Madman, Embracing the Dark II: The Experience Seeker, Master of Morbid Creation and The Last Life, Alchemy & the Dark Arts, his Goon MuSick debut Arsonist 87 and the Brenx-produced Agoraphobia. Just halfway through this month, he plans to outsource his two previous recording works “Embrace the Darkness III” under Goon MuSick.
Following the “Possession” intro, first track “Apostropes” opens with C-Lance roaring about his demons wanting to take complete control of his constant ways, while “Last Chapter” featuring Lord Goat finds the pair ensuring their rivals don’t have careers. “In the Scope” eerily tells the story of staying underground for eternity, and we’re treated to a combined “War Plan Signal” intermission when the cold-blooded “Murder for Hire” takes a few minutes to stem the bleeding.
Starting the second half, “Mannequins” brings some creepy piano to wrap up those who want to fight him, while “Moving Keys” featuring Chubs and K-Prez turns drudges into vegetables. “Deafening Silence” has a sample reminiscent of Jedi Mind Tricks shouting out to those who show their love, and after 2 Feathers’ “No Masters” talks about not being afraid to fight, DreamTek’s “Dark Empire” ends with their 2 cents on the current political climate.
Set during the COVID-19 pandemic at the turn of the decade, like Two Louie’s , the original Embracing the Dark marked a huge step forward from Novatore’s earlier work, while the sequel 13 months later furthered his artistic evolution. Fast forward to today, just weeks away from Halloween, and he and C-Lance return to the dark atmosphere of their predecessors, surpassing 87 Arsonist and Agoraphobia as his best work since signing with Goon MuSick.
Rating: 9/10
