Overview

Overdrive Hell 7: Hizumi Tengoku to Kanja no Ishi is the seventh 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. All of the themes on this album seem to feature track titles that feature elements of Harry Potter as well as toilet humor. How does this album compare to the previous entries in the ongoing series?

Body

The album opens up with “Lesson.27 Harry rage of kidney stones,” and is probably my favorite tune on this EP. It opens up with some funk rock riffs before moving a variety of intense beats, of which the one most resembling a hardcore club sound is my favorite. Throughout the track, there are also plenty of vocal samples of various ethnicities, and some of the funk rock influence returns.

“Lesson.28 Beat Malfoy diarrhea” is a mish-mash of sounds. It certainly features an exotic touch, particular due to the more organic accompaniment. For the most part, the track focuses on wobbled synthesizer and heavy industrial beats. There are also some other odd accompaniments like a horn solo sample that feels a bit out of place. The track also throws in some more melodic aspects although at times, they are a bit masked by the intensity of the beats. As the track ends, the tempo and intensity of the soundscape increase until it climaxes at the very end.

“Lesson.29 Dudley fart dance” is an intense theme focusing on a steady hardcore beat at a high tempo; however, I like how there is a definite melodic section to most of the tune, as the listener is able to hook onto something in the track. Despite its intense nature, I think that fans of Supersweep’s harder Ridge Racer oriented tunes might enjoy this one.

Lastly, “Lesson.30 Expecto OMUTSU,” is definitely the hardest tune on the soundtrack. It opens up with a very sinister soundscape before moving into an insanely intense beat. However, I really like the middle section, as it throws in some futuristic tones, some gabber style, and a bit of a melody. Still, for most, this one will most certainly be too intense, unless they are fans of this style, as I am, or they enjoy the parts where the oppressive beat isn’t featured.

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.