'Tempest' Killed by Throwing Off Balance, Saved by Production

When it comes to any genre of music, there are two different kinds of studio albums to be made. The first one is made to branch out into untouched territory, go in new directions and otherwise appeal to new fans who never have bought their records or caught one of their concerts. And then, there are the ones made purely for the purpose of preaching to the choir of their militant fan base, eager to plunk down the money for anything that carries that name.

In the case of Detroit rap duo Insane Clown Posse (ICP)'s latest offering The Tempest, it is definitely the latter. The only problem is that members Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope seem to have forgotten the elements that got the majority of their fans interested in their music in the first place.

Time and time again, ICP have caught quite a bit of slack for their liberal use of profanity, but especially for their violent lyrics. However, on many of their past records, namely their six "Joker Card," albums, one can peel away the lyrics to reveal a positive message, or even some biting yet intelligent social commentary (see: "Hall of Illusions" and "Hellaluyah" on Great Milenko). These messages and commentaries, on older records are balanced between other hyperboles about murdering with axes, sex with loose women, drinking Faygo (their favorite soda pop, which they douse the audience with during performances; it comes in several flavors), and being a Juggalo or Juggalette (names for male and female fans, respectively).

With the exception of "News at 6 O'Clock," a social commentary track about all of the atrocities communicated to the masses in graphic detail on nightly broadcast, all with a straight face at that, this time-tested balance is absolutely nowhere to be found. However, all of the themes that give them their reputation make a strong comeback; killing ("If I Was a Serial Killer," "I Do This," "Watch My Ride"), sex, "B***h I Lied," and so on. Still, their signature humor makes songs such as "Haunted Bumps," and "Growing Again," quite amusing listens.

Still, tracks don't even succeed in telling the duo's "epic" tale, which is now in continuation after the end of the world, following the release of the sixth "Joker's Card," The Wraith: Shangri-La and Hell's Pit, which tells that now in the end, we're all going to heaven (Shangri-La) or Hell('s Pit), as the world has now ended. According to the group, the Tempest is a second storm of sorts, foreshadowed by the 2005 EP, The Calm, meaning the calm before the second storm. (For a crash course in everything ICP, and about the epic saga of the Jokers Cards, Juggaloes, etc, check out "Ticket to the Dark Carnival: ICP 101" on the Easterner Website). In fact, the only mention of this new chapter are in the two introductory tracks, "The Sky is Falling," and "Ride The Tempest," which utilizes a roller-coaster metaphor.

Besides a couple of stand-out tracks, the only thing that really makes The Tempest possibly worth the $15 is the other thing in the ICP arsenal that got the music world to initially notice them; the production and sound scapes. This album marks the return of Mike E. Clark, the duo's miracle worker behind the boards, who made most of the Joker Cards, all of which are good, even more solid.

All in all, The Tempest is only for the die-hard Juggalo. If you don't count yourself amongst this demographic, you're in for a disappointment. If you are, get it with a bottle of Faygo, and learn all the songs for their upcoming tour.