Band/Artist: Underground Avengers
Release House: Majik Ninja Entertainment
Genre: Horrorcore
One Sentence Synopsis: Much Anticipated Full-Length LP from UGA
Series: Standalone
Single/EP/Album: Album
Release Date: 8-31-18
Running Time: 60 min
MSRP: $8.99
Discount Link: Click Here
Website: Click Here
Sample/Music Video: Click Here
Purchase Site: Click Here
Reviewed by: Reverend Leviathan
Final Score: 5.0 Moons (Out of 5.0)
The Underground Avengers, or UGA, is a rap supergroup made up of underground artists Bukshot, Claas and Boondox. First formed as a project in 2012 the group released a self-titled EP; no real intentions of releasing anything else. However, after a surprise concert earlier this year the group received recognition and was signed to Majik Ninja Entertainment. Anomaly 88 is UGA’s first album on MNE.
Theme
Definitely a comeback album, we begin with a skit that introduces the listener to unusual frequencies and signals being sent from an unknown source repeating “Anomaly 88” over and over. (This mystery is carried through in a couple more tracks as the album progresses.) “The Rising” is pretty much their “we’re back” song, featuring Demi Demaree on the hook and a huge attention grabber.
The style of hip-hop featured on the album is on the darker side, with just a pinch of an 80’s pop influence. “Hold On” carries that influence to the fullest as it’s a rap remake of the classic Phil Collins song “In the Air Tonight.”
You wanna talk about a climatic ending, then “Thanos” is definitely that. UGA collaborated with so many artists on this song: Tech N9ne, Twiztid, Rittz, Jelly Roll, Krizz Kaliko, Crucifix, Blaze Ya Dead Homie and King ISO, each one bringing their own style to the mix and creating a powerful track.
Rev. Leviathan with UGA (from left to right: Boondox, Claas, Rev. Leviathan, Bukshot)
Presentation
To say that this album is a triumphant return for UGA would be an understatement. As a fan of all three artists and their previous EP together I had no doubt that I would like the album, but I was not prepared for it to exceed my expectations! “The Rising” gave me chills after hearing it the first time and had me chanting “UGA” in no time. These guys brought forth their A game on each song, as did the artists that collaborated with them. Lyrically and musically their flows are pretty awesome, and there’s not one sign of lazy writing. The whole album truly reflects the hard work that everyone put into it.
The producers Michael “Seven” Summers, Vybe Beatz and Godsynth wrote some phenomenal music that blends perfectly with the vocal styling of the artists, with very good mixing and mastering. There are three tracks I’d particularly like to point out. “Bring the Blood” is one of the heaviest-hitting songs with some really nice guitars in the mix. “Hold On” featuring Crucifix is bound to be a crowd favorite, as there are many of us who are fans of Phil Collins’ original. The best way to describe “Thanos” is just badass!!! To hear all those artists on one track together is by far the best way they could’ve ended the album.
Gothic Fit
Although Goths who are fans of underground hip-hop are hard to come by, I think this is a release that those Goths would definitely enjoy. The comic book references alone should grab the attention of the nerd in all of us. The dark atmosphere present in most of the album is definitely appealing, along with the heavy sound that’s present in the music. These guys bring darkness, fantasy, and an array of emotions that will tickle the Goth’s ears; it did mine.
Closing Thoughts
The Underground Avengers have come back hard and no doubt created an underground classic! Anomaly 88 very well might be the best release on Majik Ninja Entertainment to date.
Theme: 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Presentation: 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Gothic Fit: 3.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Final Score (not an average): 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
