Chicago, Illinois emcee Novatore celebrating Halloween early with his 14th studio LP. Emerging as a member of the Infamous Crew, he’s also built up an impressive solo career over nearly a decade by dropping 4 EPs & an acclaimed collaborative effort with A.M. Early Morning produced by Stu Bangas called Kingdom of Criminality & it’s recent sequel produced by Johnny Slash. Other highlights include Louie, Louie II, Embrace the Darkness, Portrait of a Madman, Embrace the Darkness II: Explorers of Experience, Master of Morbid Creations & Living in the End Times, Alchemy & Black Magic, his Goon MuSick debut The 87 Arsonist & the Brenx-produced Agoraphobia. Only halfway through the month, he’s looking to outsource both of his previous discography entries under Goon MuSick with Embrace the Darkness III.
After the “Possession” intro, the first song “Apostrophes” opens with a boom bap instrumental from none other than C-Lance talking about his demons wanting full control the way he constantly acts whereas “Last Chapter” featuring Lord Goat finds the pair making sure their competition doesn’t have a career. “In the Scope” eerily talks about staying underground forever & once “Murder for Hire” featuring Apathy spends a few minutes quenching for blood, we’re treated to a compositional “War Plans on Signal” intermission.
“Mannequins” brings some chilling pianos into the fold starting the 2nd half bodybagging those who want to battle him while “Moving Keys” featuring Chubs & K-Prez turns peons into vegetables. The sampling on “Deafening Silence” feels reminiscent of Jedi Mind Tricks giving shoutouts to those showing love & after “No Masters” featuring 2 Feathers talks about not being afraid to fight, “Dark Empire” featuring DreamTek ends with them giving their 2 cents regarding the current political climate.
During the COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of this decade, the original Embrace the Darkness like both Louies marked a huge improvement from Novatore’s earlier material & the sequel 13 months afterwards further propelled himself artistically. Fast forward to present day only a couple weeks away from Halloween, he & C-Lance return to the darker vibes of both it’s predecessors surpassing The 87 Arsonist & Agoraphobia to become his finest work since signing to Goon MuSick.
Score: 9/10
