West coast horrorcore duo the Gloom Unit consisting of Acetone Boogie & Frankie Goldie finally making their full-length debut. One of whom comes straight out of Tucson, Arizona & the other representing Sin City Las Vegas, Nevada respectively as part of the Swamp Society collective. They would properly introduce themselves as a pairing on New Year’s Day 2024 with the debut extended play Come Heavy produced by Chapter 17/Psychopathic Records in-house producer Devereaux, who would also produce the sequel Mo Heavy. A little over a year later, they’re taking us inside the House of Gloom almost a week after J-Rod ended Alice Crowley’s record-breaking 2nd reign as JCW Women’s Champion.
After the intro, the title track produced by none other than Devereaux brings an organ-laced trap beat into the picture advising to say your prayers because of the demonic shit they’re about to do whereas “Murda Gloves” goes for a morbidly slower vibe to the beat discussing the topic of murder itself. “Gloomhauer” works in some strings to talk about giving 0 fucks regarding the repercussions of them constantly killing it while “DaEyes” acknowledges their imperfections although they’re very much trying.
“RedDedRedemption” continues from there talking about watching bodies burning in The Wraith’s exhibition of Hell’s Pit leading into “No Shoulders” incorporates some sampling techniques flexing that they’ll still be carrying firearms on them when winding up in Shangri-La in the end. “Stomp ‘Em Out” featuring Darby O’Trill joins forces for an angrily cutthroat hardcore hip hop banger while “All Dead” talks about not being the type who enjoy cheap thrills.
Ending the 1st half, “Bouncing Off da Concrete” hooks up some predominant horns during the hook boasting the credentials they’ve already had out in the streets & this being normal to them while “Daishin Folklore” gives a backstory behind the Unit’s mascot who can be seen on the artwork of all their projects. “Less Than Gold” talks about earning everything they have & none of it being handed out for free while “Headbussas” featuring Donnie Menace succeeding at going full trap metal.
“Zim Dem” featuring PERCYBONES finds the trio asking everyone who doubted them how they like them now & fighting for survival since Day 1 while “Taking Out the Trash at Night” talks about coming alive right when the sun goes down. “Disclaimer” featuring 8corpses links up to provide advice that you shouldn’t ever take & something they feel like everyone should know while “Selena” featuring Sagan Ummo brings out a fully loaded chopper over a trap instrumental with bells.
The sample right from the start of “Don’t Close Ya Eyes” immediately drew me in talking about not falling asleep for the purpose of demons who tend to watch us in the late night hours & view our souls as food prior to the outro, “Isolation” spends the last 3 & a half minutes sitting in the House of Gloom all alone admitting that they’ve been following darkness their whole entire lives as well as coming to terms that neither of them feel like anyone’s out there.
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if our minds turned against us & the walls of what was initially designed to protect us isolates each other from the outside world, the House of Gloom will give the answer one seeks right when the doors lock shut to commence an evil dream hosted by demons constructed by our fears & whatever emotion it is we try to hide over some of Devereaux’s darkest production accompanied by a few of the underground wicked shit scene’s finest presently.
Score: 9/10