The Legend of ABM by Angry Blackmen is an audacious and visceral plunge into the psyche of black masculinity, capitalism, and the dystopian shadows of contemporary America. Quentin Branch and Brian Warren, the duo behind Angry Blackmen, have crafted an album that is both a sonic assault and an introspective journey, making it one of the most compelling entries in the industrial hip-hop genre for the year.
From the onset, with the track “Stanley Kubrick,” the album sets a tone of cinematic grandeur mixed with raw aggression. The production by Formants is a noisy, glitchy landscape that mirrors the chaotic, often hostile environment the duo describes. The beats are not just background noise but characters in the narrative, embodying the tension and despair of the lyrics. Tracks like “FNA” and “GRIND” exemplify this with their bombastic, distortion-heavy sounds, offering a listening experience that’s as unsettling as it is exhilarating.
A reflection of personal strife and a broader commentary on systemic issues.
Lyrically, The Legend of ABM delves into personal narratives of depression, alcoholism, and survival, with Quentin Branch‘s battle with these issues being a central theme. “Dead Men Tell No Lies,” featuring Fatboi Sharif, is particularly poignant, weaving a tale of existential dread with a hauntingly industrial backdrop. The duo’s storytelling is both a reflection of personal strife and a broader commentary on systemic issues, making each track resonate on multiple levels.
What sets this album apart is its accessibility within the noise rap scene. While acts like Dälek or clipping can sometimes lean towards the esoteric, Angry Blackmen maintain a visceral, up-front approach that echoes the urgency of Chicago drill and the lyrical acrobatics of late 2000s Lil Wayne. This makes The Legend of ABM not just an album for fans of experimental hip-hop but for anyone looking for music that confronts the darker facets of life with unapologetic force.
The Legend of ABM is a testament to Angry Blackmen‘s evolution, blending intense, noisy beats with sharp, reflective lyrics. It’s an album that demands to be heard, not just for its sonic innovation but for its bold narrative on the black experience in America.
The Legend of ABM is available on vinyl from Fat Beats.
Label: Deathbomb Arc
Release date: January 26, 2024