So truth be told I delayed checking out Body Count. Why? Because I was in full music mode in the late 1990s to early 2000s when rap metal was ruling the world and it was literally a hit or miss. Plus when I first saw that Ice-T was involved my gut reaction was that it was a money grab for him figuring his name alone would guarantee sales whether it was good or not. But when their newest album Carnivore landed in my email I figured the time has come to finally check it out as all I would need to invest is the time to do so – and I’m glad I did.
Carnivore is chock full of amazing riffs and rhythms. It’s not timed to make up for samples beats or DJ scratches, everything on here is absolutely on the level. Ernie-C and Juan Of The Dead are absolutely shredders that are definitely going under many radars. “Bum Rush” is loaded with riffs that definitely will get stuck in your head while cost many up-and-coming guitarists hours of sleep as they try to learn it.
The pure aggression behind “Another Level”, which features a guest appearance from Jamey Jasta, is crazy. Ice-T hit the nail on the head lyrically as this song literally screams adrenaline pumper and motivation. Whether you’re at the gym, grinding out levels in your favorite game, or need to get the day going you just turn this song on and crank it.
Body Count even hits that softer side, and let’s face it we all love a song with meaning that everyone can identify with. Ice-T introduces “When I’m Gone,” which features Amy Lee, on the album stating he was inspired to write it after hearing about the shooting of Nipsy Hussle. There’s so much truth behind this song that it’s not even funny. We all take everyone for advantage and never tell those closest to us how we feel. My only issue on this song is, and maybe I’m bias, but Cristina Scabbia or Uliana Cilver would’ve been a better fit. Amy sounds like she’s mumbling during her vocals and the others I suggested do haunting and intense vocals better.
I also can’t help but bring up “The Hate Is Real” for two reasons. First the riffs sound scarily close to Slayer that I’m waiting to hear Kerry King say they stole from him. Which goes to show you, and me, how much metal influence there is within Body Count. Lyrically this song fits today’s society. Everyone is quick to hate but won’t do what’s necessary to come together for the better.
Needless to say I feel a bit foolish for delaying on Body Count. It’s no cash grab, it’s not forced, it’s actually what rap metal should’ve been from day one. Carnivore definitely has me ready to go back into Body Count’s catalog and I’m sure it’ll do the same for you.
