It wasn’t too long ago that Australia’s own iLUMiNATiVE was high on our list of new releases, championing his enlightened sound with the stark, yet entrancing ‘Shapeshifter’ EP. It was a career-defining moment for the rising rapper, one where he broke free from the past and found new creative ground in an undeniably fresh sound.
With a clear mind and plenty of new sounds under his control, iLUMiNATiVE has recently revealed his fifth official release, the titanic ‘ENDANGERED’. Set for release on all digital platforms come November 11th this year, the new album is an outspoken and self-aware endeavour, one where his theatrical hip-hop style flows through a caustic layer of death growls and stark metal melodies.
Built from eight original cuts, ‘ENDANGERED’ delves into the layered concepts and the idea of multiple belief systems, creating an introspective world where his lyrics can blend seamlessly with symphonic instrumentals. It’s a steep learning curve, but iLUMiNATiVE guides you through with his verse, shaping the opening tracks with quick, absorbing verse and truly visceral sounds. In tracks like ‘Duality’ and ‘Utopia’, there’s a sense of self that casts a shadow over everything, giving a telling nod that these are tracks that only iLUMiNATiVE could create. They’re sharp, symbolic, and undeniably, taking hold through hard riffs, heavy, growling vocals, and an aggressive confidence that constantly pulls at your senses.
As his hybrid sound sets in through cuts like ‘Divine Love’ and ‘Hope’, iLUMiNATiVE shakes things up with the double dose of ‘Psychedelic’ and ‘Schizophrenia’ illustrating his diverse, and unstoppably eclectic style in brilliant form. Together, the cuts explore a mix of sounds and hallucinogens perfectly, conjuring up a stunning experience that is built on heavy bass grooves, video game inflexions, and bright, beautiful moments. Closing with the title track, iLUMiNATiVE ties the album together with a damning instrumental performance and the telling refrain of “We’re In Danger”, creating a semi-apocalyptic sound that links to the spiritual nature of the album’s other tracks.
While the album won’t officially be available until next month, you can stream a special preview of the new record below via Soundcloud.
A unique and eye-opening experience that gives you so much to explore and uncover, ‘ENDANGERED’ is both an album and a spiritual experience, delivering personal, introspective lyrics and bold, ever-impressive sounds in perfect harmony. A triumph for both iLUMiNATiVE and Australia’s hip-hop scene, it’s an album well worth waiting for.
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