Fans of the boundary-pushing sounds of Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit, will be drawn into the raw energy of Dual Diagnosis’ latest EP, ‘Nature of the Beast’. From the first track, it’s clear that the New Jersey talent Mad Mike had taken their underground hardcore hip-hop to new heights. Blending intense lyrical themes with hard-hitting production, this EP feels like a spiritual successor to the rap-rock invasion that defined the ’90s. It’s got grit, emotion, and something real to say - an offering that’s impressive, to say the least.
Released in June 2024, ‘Nature of the Beast’ comes at you with six tracks of haunting introspection, aggressive flows, and rock-infused beats. Dual Diagnosis is known for diving deep into mental health struggles, and this project is no exception. It doesn’t shy away from darkness - loss, grief, trauma - but it’s this honesty that makes it resonate with listeners who need to hear these themes expressed so unflinchingly.
The title track, ‘Nature of the Beast’, sets the tone. Over a grimy beat, Mad Mike spit verses full of frustration and survival instincts, “Go more than the asylum, get wilded up.” It’s about chaos within and without, where emotions explode and battle for control. “My brain is still broken down roller coaster,” he admits, channelling the instability of life into their aggressive delivery. The song also serves as a metaphorical representation of own struggles with mental health as he tackles demons that refuse to be silenced.
Released during Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the timing of ‘Nature of the Beast’ music video feels particularly poignant. Racking up over 60,000 views in a short span of time, it’s a visual representation of the EP’s dark yet hopeful message, offering fans a visceral experience to match the audio.
Tracks like ‘Harsh’ and ‘Patient on the Run’ continue that intensity, with production split between Mad Mike and The Arcitype, whose heavy, sinister instrumentals serve as the perfect backdrop for Dual Diagnosis’ confessions. The EP doesn’t just tell a story of suffering - it reflects the process of enduring, of seeking a way out. In ‘Patient on the Run’, Mad Mike voices a reality many people face: the feeling of being perpetually on the edge, struggling to survive while navigating constant challenges.
‘Nature of the Beast’ is a testament to the journey that Dual Diagnosis has been on since the early 2000s. Growing up influenced by the rap and rock of their youth, Mad Mike and Paulie Walnutz have forged a path in the underground scene, constantly honing their craft and expanding their reach. The EP follows up on previous successes, like their 2022 album ‘No Ordinary Life’ and collaborations with notable artists like Slaine and Gorilla Voltage.
This project isn’t just about creating a sonic experience, it’s about reaching listeners who are “still sick and suffering,” as Dual Diagnosis often emphasizes. This sentiment is woven through the EP’s tracks, whether it’s the haunting ‘Murder One’ or the explosive ‘The Edge’, where themes of vulnerability and survival come to a head. The lyrics serve not only as an outlet for personal catharsis but also as a message of solidarity to those who share in the struggle.
‘Nature of the Beast’ speaks to something deeply human. It’s the pain we try to hide, the chaos we can’t always control - but it’s also the drive to keep going, one day at a time.
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