Overview

Overdrive Hell 6: Hizumi Heaven Reloaded is the sixth in a series of hardcore and experimental electronic EPs featuring Ayako Saso and Shinji Hosoe. While not for everyone, it does feature some interesting music for those fans of this style of electronic music. How does this album compare to the previous entries in the ongoing series?

Body

The album opens with "Lesson 23 Pigs field," an interesting theme that combines Saso's rave style sounds, intense beats, and crazy vocal samples. However, what I find most interesting about this piece is that at times, the beats and accompaniment have a very distinct FM synth quality, making it sound like it would be perfect in an intense Sega Genesis game. It's an extremely creative track and overall, more accessible than many of the themes found in this series.

Speaking of accessibility, I think that "Lesson 24 Loopy monster" is probably the most accessible Overdrive Hell track to date. While it still incorporates some of the more hardcore beats and tempos, a majority of the track has a very smooth quality to it, focusing more on DJ scratches, sultry vocal samples, and some deep, heavy beats utilizing some unique rhythms. The end result is an extremely satisfying theme that may even appease some fans that aren't the most avid fans of this style.

"Lesson 25 Idiot tube" is a track more similar to past entries in the Overdrive Hell series. It features a variety of vocal samples that go well with the various beats incorporated into the mix. It doesn't really have a hook like some of the other tracks on the album, but the mellower sections that have a dark industrial tone to them are quite nice.

Lastly, "Lesson 26 Heaven debt" is another highly successful theme. Opening up with some heavy metal riffs and some electronic accompaniment, it is quite apparent that this track must be the doing of Ayako Saso. The fusion of heavy metal and hardcore techno works extremely well. In addition, the subtle electronic accompaniment in the background gives the piece a lot of texture and at the same time, the vocal samples talking about ruling the world and universe are extremely fitting for the style of music. There's a lot going on in this track, but it all manages to come together quite well, whether it's the metalcore base for the track or some of the rave sounds that are incorporated into the mix.

Summary

This album is definitely not for the faint of heart. Fans of hardcore and experimental music may enjoy this album, particularly if they have been following the series. However, for those interested in this, it may be best to try to listen to some of Ayako Saso and Shinji Hosoe's more hardcore music to get a feeling for the nature of this album. Overall, I think this is the most accessible and creative album in the series thus far, given its unique implementations, such as a strong heavy metal focus, some smoother sounds, and even some that are reminiscent of FM synth.