Music Review: Army Of The Pharaohs – In Death Reborn

Army of the Pharaohs is the super-group formed for the sake of bringing hardcore hip hop to the forefront. This group is comprised of an interchangeable roster based off of Vinnie Paz’s formation. As the roster changed over more than a decade, the goal of their music still remained the same. This group is all about keeping it “rough, rugged, and hardcore”. With a swift listen to In Death Reborn, their goals have not changed.

As far as topics are concerned, they rarely vary from ripping mics and braggadocio rhymes. The Frank Grimes produced “Azrael” is a perfect example of what to expect from this album. The production thumps with full ominous emotion. The lyrics by all the emcees (Block McCloud, Reef The Lost Cauze, Vinne Paz, and Crypt The Warchild on this track) are just as hard hitting. The same can be said for each and every track on this album. If anything, the listen to this composition is highly consistent.

Then again, if the listener is looking for any variation with the approach and mood, then they will be vastly disappointed. While the production does differ, the feel does not. This is the “box-cutter-to-the-face” fight music that is comprised of east coast paint and angst. There are plenty of people that will pop this album in and love it. However, there are going to be plenty that will not want to hear this over an entire album.

With all of this said, Army Of The Pharaohs made a wildly consistent listen with In Death Reborn. For what it presents, it makes for a pretty good listen. If hard hitting east coast raps is the preference, then this is easily your album. If a diverse bunch of music that shifts through sounds and influences is the goal, then there are other albums that provide that. This album is not about that. This album is all about music that will quickly kick you in the mouth with its aggression and darkness.

The good thing is that fans of Army Of The Pharaohs would not have their music any other way.