SLVTDEATH – Infernal Flowers

SLVTDEATH is an underground artist who’s been releasing experimental instrumental hip-hop for close to a decade. Incorporating elements of punk, new-wave, industrial and noise, the artist barely uses these fringe genres to enhance his music, as the majority of tracks are centred around a tired, repetitive instrumental beat – and Infernal Flowers is no different.

Unlike previous efforts, however, Infernal Flowers is able to ride on its consistent and notable atmosphere. Despite its amateur production, Totem is a memorable opener. Aloof with You’s twirling arps are the perfect companion to his brooding bass. Foggy Mist does something similar, with the inclusion of frail foley, and charismatic synths. The bass is arguably most impressive during Twilight, where it takes lead for the most part. Stoned is the last prominent track on the album, with its colourful soundscape. The remaining tracklisting is filler.

The problem, as with previous SLVTDEATH efforts, is the benign composition. As mentioned in the opening paragraph; it’s repetitive. The album does not hold up on repeated listens once the gimmick has been revealed. Each song only has one idea to offer before it’s repeated to death. Lastly, each song follows the same BPM and format; there’s hardly any variety between the tracks, much less between the artist’s albums.

Infernal Flower’s greatest strength is undeniably its album cover; as well as SLVTDEATH’s whole character. This is not an insult to his music, but a compliment to the artist’s consistent and admirable display; there’s plenty of soul throughout. Moreover, from Drowning in Darkness there is a noticeable bump in quality. The production is still dull, though, as is the writing. Thankfully, the aesthetic and enjoyability are present; further improvements should only lead to greater works. Here’s hoping SLVTDEATH spends more time refining his skill, however, rather than rushing out more work no one will hear.

Average

Listen to it here:

https://slvtdeath.bandcamp.com/album/infernal-flowers

SLVTDEATH – Infernal Flowers