WhatzUp

Wicked Realms
Epidimic
by Jason Hoffman

Epidimic are making sure no one forgets their name. Less than eight months ago RatMonkey reviewed their debut album, and now the chilling follow-up, Wicked Realms, has fallen into my hands. I must say that I was quite impressed with the professional cover graphics as well as the back panel representing a darker view of the same scene where the building is covered in graffiti, the couple is covered in blood and the little girl is hanging by a noose. This, more than anything, represents the scalding music of Epidimic.

Called “horrorcore” by some, this hip-hop duo writes solid beats that rely on minor key scales and spooky sounds to augment the seamy lyrics of death and hate. Far from the gangsta style, Epidimic use ambiance and morbid wit to create the sinister tone of their work.

In “Evil Inside” they tackle the murky side of human nature with an eerie bass that grinds away while a creepy piano plays over the top as they pessimistically rap “Nobody hides from the evil inside.” More evil beats come into play in “Nobody Cares,” a song about those who commit school shootings. Deep, resonating piano that sounds straight from a horror movie (possibly Creepshow) sets the mood for “Commercial Break,” while nearly monotone, dead vocals will frighten even the strongest heart. In “Dearly Departed” the rapper expresses great delight over the death of a woman who made his life hell, listing all the horrible things she did and asking “Am I supposed to cry when these MFers die?”

While the lyrics are disturbing and exude a pitch-dark humor, the beats are menacing and ominous in their own right. While each track exhibits some well-created patches, I especially liked the classic monster-movie strings found in “Madness” and the creaking analog of “Rise Up.” With the killer lyrics and freaked out beats, this is one scary ride.

With more atmosphere than most hip hop bands can summon in a career, Epidimic manage to meet the Halloween season head on in Wicked Realms. Droopy Jeezus and Crac Kajak have managed to funnel the crap of offal from their childhoods into an intense experience for all to endure. So pull on your own blood-soaked past and join them for their release party on October 29 at the F.O.P. Lodge in Columbia City or click over to www.epidimic.com for more information.