CashLyke – Death Is Calling
CashLyke’s third studio album, “Death Is Calling”, is a 51-minute descent into chaotic, experimental industrial hip-hop, cementing his place as one of the most daring voices in the underground scene. As the third instalment in his ongoing series “Death Is Calling! Do You Have a Destination? Or Are You Stuck in a Loop?”, the album continues to explore themes of existential dread, inner turmoil, and digital-age alienation, presenting a world that is both aggressive and hypnotically unsettling.
The album opens with “Start It”, immediately establishing a frantic energy. The track’s distorted synths, pounding percussion, and aggressive vocal delivery set the tone for an album that refuses to sit still. “Airbags” and “Downward Spiral” continue this momentum, blending rapid-fire flows with experimental soundscapes that echo the abrasive textures of Death Grips while maintaining a distinct identity. CashLyke demonstrates his ability to balance chaotic energy with moments of reflection, giving listeners both intensity and depth.
Collaborations on the album add dynamic contrast. “Skyzen”, featuring JNill, combines melodic hooks with industrial grit, creating a hauntingly catchy refrain amid a backdrop of layered percussion. “Heavensgate”, featuring AW1S, introduces a dark, almost cinematic quality, with ethereal samples juxtaposed against gritty, distorted beats. “Forgone”, again with JNill, blends introspective lyricism with dense production, offering a reflective counterpoint to the album’s more aggressive moments. These features are carefully integrated, enhancing the narrative arc without overshadowing CashLyke’s vision.
Production throughout “Death Is Calling” is meticulous yet raw, with glitchy percussion, heavy bass, and unexpected samples forming the backbone of each track. “Schizophrenia” and “Toxic” exemplify the album’s experimental edge, layering dissonant sounds with fractured rhythms that evoke a sense of unease. Even slower tracks such as “Let Down” maintain tension, relying on atmospheric textures and subtle rhythmic shifts to keep the listener engaged. The closing tracks, including the title track “Death Is Calling” and “Fantasyworld”, act as a culmination of the album’s themes, blending aggression, introspection, and dark humour into a cohesive finale.
Lyrically, the album delves into inner conflict, societal pressures, and existential questioning. CashLyke’s delivery oscillates between urgent shouts, rhythmic rap, and fragmented spoken word, creating a sense of immediacy and unpredictability. His ability to convey vulnerability amid aggression allows the album to resonate on multiple levels. The recurring themes of loops, stagnation, and searching for a destination tie the work together conceptually, giving the listener a through-line amidst the sonic chaos.
“Death Is Calling” is challenging and abrasive, but it rewards careful, repeated listening. The album is an exploration of chaos, self-reflection, and the human experience in a digital, fragmented world. It is a bold statement from CashLyke, solidifying his reputation for pushing boundaries in hip-hop and offering an experience that lingers long after the final track fades. Fans of experimental hip-hop and industrial sounds will find a lot to admire here, while newcomers may be tested by its intensity—but those willing to engage fully will discover a rich, complex, and unforgettable record. (8/10) (Z1 Records)
