Overdrive Hell 15 -Hizumi Heaven Clockwork-
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Album Title: Overdrive Hell 15 -Hizumi Heaven Clockwork- |
| Record Label: Troubadour Record |
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| Catalog No.: HZMT-0015 |
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| Release Date: August 17, 2014 |
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| Purchase: Buy at Sweep Record |
Overview
overdrive hell 15: Hizumi Heaven Clockwork is the fifteenth iteration in a series of hardcore and experimental electronic EPs featuring Ayako Saso and Shinji Hosoe. In addition, a new composer, X, who has yet to be identified, enters the fray. While not for everyone, it does feature some interesting music for those fans of this style of electronic music. All of the themes on this album feature track titles inspired by the classic Stanley Kubrick film, Clockwork Orange. How does this album compare to the previous entries in the ongoing series?
Body
The album opens up with “Lesson 64 Devotchka in Depachika,” an intense, bass heavy tune that the series is known for. However, there are also some sections that feature a nice ethereal background and I think that the juxtaposition of the two work quite well together. “Lesson 65 Gulliver-banging” is a more intense tune; however, it is also one that features moments of calm as well. The addition of the electric guitar is something that works quite nicely in the tune; but the vocals are a bit odd.
Perhaps the most interesting tune on the release, “Lesson 66 Ludovico technique,” opens up with a Beethoven tune just like the classic film, with some slight electronic interference and a bit reminiscent of Drakengard’s soundtrack. Once the intensity comes into play, it reminds me of “Junk Plant” from Nanosweep 2, in part due to the vocal samples. Also of surprise is the inclusion of a high tempo electronic version of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” It’s certainly one of the more creative tunes ever to be released as part of the overdrive hell series.
Summary
This album is definitely not for the faint of heart. Fans of hardcore and experimental music may enjoy this album, particularly if they have been following the series. However, for those interested in this, it may be best to try to listen to some of Ayako Saso and Shinji Hosoe’s more hardcore music to get a feeling for the nature of this album. Compared to some of the previous entries, I’d say this par for the course for the series with a mix of tunes that are more accessible and some that aren’t as accessible, although the added creativity for some of the tunes and the Kubrick/Beethoven influence is definitely a welcome touch, even if they aren’t always successful.
Do you agree with the review and score? Let us know in the comments below!
2.5
Posted on October 3, 2014 by Don Kotowski. Last modified on October 3, 2014.
About the Author
Don Kotowski Currently residing in Philadelphia. I spend my days working in vaccine characterization and dedicate some of my spare time in the evening to the vast world of video game music, both reviewing soundtracks as well as maintaining relationships with composers overseas in Europe and in Japan.
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