Posted By Reverend Leviathan on Feb 2, 2024 | 6 comments

Band/Artist: (Hed) P.E.
Release House: Suburban Noize Records
Genre: Nu Metal
One Sentence Synopsis: 14th studio album from Hed P.E. and a return to the old school!
Series: Standalone
Single/EP/Album: Album
Release Date: December 15th, 2023
Estimated Length: 39 minutes
MSRP: $9.99
Website: Click Here
Trailer/Video: Click Here
Purchase Site: Click Here
Reviewed by: Reverend Leviathan
Final Score: 5.0 Moons (out of 5)

(Hed) P.E. (meaning Higher Education Planet Earth) hit the scene in ’94 with their own twist on the nu metal phenomenon sweeping the music industry, a sound that they referred to as “G-Punk,” which was mostly a fusion of gangsta rap and punk rock. As time progressed, their sound evolved as they experimented on a few records, but Detox is a trip back to the sound they were known for!

Theme

According to Jared, the focal point of the album’s narrative is addiction, whether it be substance abuse or sexuality. The title track personifies that which the person is addicted to, calling out to them, while “Waiting” is a good illustration of where the mind is at when one is struggling with said addiction. Musically, the theme couldn’t be more clearer than what Jared says at the beginning of “Compromise”: Nu metal, bitch. The turntables, rapping, screaming and everything one loved – or hated – about nu metal is entirely present on the album, making it one of the most nostalgic-sounding albums of 2023.

Presentation

When I first heard Detox I legit felt like I was being pulled back into the 90’s. I only really owned a handful of nu metal albums back in high school, making (Hed) P.E. the only nu metal band I genuinely follow; this album is a testimony as to why. I’ve always loved their sound and Jared’s vocals, and they really shine on here beginning with “No Way Out.” The diversity and range of his vocals can be heard in songs like “Waiting,” “Too Late,” and “Going Nowhere.” And I love the return to the G-Punk sound they were known for, which comes out strong on “This Dream” and “Rat Race,” the former containing more of the punk while the latter has more of the G. There’s even some thrash influence on this one! You can tell a lot of time and dedication went into the production of this album.

hed p.e. band

Audience Fit

Metalheads, lovers of nu metal, and most especially (Hed) P.E. fans who love the old sound would be an ideal audience for this album.

Closing Thoughts

I’ve heard some people say that nu metal is dead, but (Hed) P.E. has clearly contradicted that with the release of Detox! The genre is alive and well, and the G-Punk is back as they’ve dropped one of my favorite albums of theirs since Forever!

Theme: 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)

Presentation: 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)

Audience Fit: 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)

Final Score (not an average): 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)