Overview

The Sampling Masters Series of albums have a reputation of having some of Shinji Hosoe and Ayako Saso's most insane compositions, among several other composers. Once the series was revived with Sampling Masters Overdrive Hell, it really took an odd direction and became one of the most insane series ever from a game music composer. Overdrive Hell 2 takes a similar direction, albeit even more insane than the first in the series. Let's take a look at just how crazy that is!

Body

"Lesson 7 Frigid Hell" doesn't waste any time throwing out all the stops. From the first note of the first beat, you can tell we are going for a "special" ride. The typical off the wall vocal samples can be heard, overtop a very catch beat. An ethnic flute takes up another section of the "melody", infusing what seems to be the only cohesion of the entire piece. While this one isn't exactly my favorite, I do enjoy it quite well.

"Lesson 8", on the other hand, takes it a few steps further, starting with a synth that's sounds like an old 1930's horror radio show. Once the beat has some time to develop, some distorted "chipmunk" vocals take over and the beat becomes more insane. "Lesson 10" develops much the same way, although the beat is way catchier and it includes some impressive synth improvations. The string work is actually the most refined section of the album, working in some suspense not unlike something from a horror film or something similar.

Saving my favorite for last, "Lesson 9" actually starts somewhat normal, then quickly picks up a beat not unlike something from a DoDonPachi true last boss theme. The best part though comes in at 0:31, where a quirky synth plays a retro sounding theme sounding like it comes out of a cartoon. The beat continues to develop more, until one of the oddest sections on the whole album starts. Vocals layer over a new beat, creating yet another scene of what appears to depict what goes on in someone's mind as they are losing sanity.

Summary

Like the first album of the Sampling Masters revival, this album is ridiculously difficult to swallow for most individuals. This series has to go down as some of Supersweep's most insane work, and is again suited only for the most hardcore of Hosoe and Saso fans. I happen to fit in that category, so I would personally give the album a 9/10, However, due to accessibility constraints I will base my score on the same scale Don used for his review. Don't let that discourage you though, as if you are a hardcore fan this will be one of your favorite purchases in recent days.