Review: “Detox” by (hed)p.e.

“This album marks a return to the cherished G-Punk sound that  (Hed) P.E. fans know and adore. When listeners hear this record, its familiarity will be striking because it encapsulates the essence of (Hed) P.E. The ‘DETOX’ album embarks on a spiritual journey from a state of chemical enslavement to self-liberation, and then, ironically, back again. I composed this from an intimately personal standpoint, as I grappled with addiction throughout my life. On this album, I’m unapologetically candid, addressing topics such as sexuality, substance use, and a hardcore lifestyle. I’ve incorporated more rap elements, and the music is notably heavier and thrash-oriented. I discovered the inspiration to delve into some gritty subjects. This album truly grants the audience what they’ve longed for, without compromising artistic integrity. The album’s title, ‘DETOX,’ stems from a period post-pandemic where I found myself engulfed in a sea of red wine, attempting to make sense of my thoughts amidst the influence of various substances in my mind. At a critical juncture, I confronted my struggles with substance abuse. This inner battle became the focal point of the album’s narrative, addressing a topic I’m all too familiar with—addiction” ~  Jared Gomes

After three pre-release singles in “Detox“, “Too Late” and “Waiting” surpassing 436.5k Spotify streams alone, it’s fairly safe to say that there is a good level of hype for the new (hed)p.e. album “Detox“. Once again adorned by cover art from Jim “Taz” Evans (Metallica, Beastie Boys, Nine Inch Nails), the bands fifteenth record since starting out in 1994 was also mixed and mastered by Ulrich Wild (Pantera, Deftones, Static-X). So after the intriguing covers album “70’s Hits From the Pit“, it’s time once again to go straight Punk Rock and blow up the whole block…

Setting the tone opening cut “No Way Out” does indeed hark back older (hed)p.e. records and certainly wouldn’t sound out of place on 2009’s “New World Orphans” or 2010’s follow up “Truth Rising“. Gomez delivers that trademark hip-hop flow around some programming while Javier cranks some mid-tempo riffs that border on Metallic Hardcore, the bass drive from Blankenship in the final verse one of many nuances that shine through over multiple listens. Title track “Detox” follows suit, cut from the same cloth with more classic elements from the bands rich past wrapped around an earworm riff and the catchy repetition of “I know, I know, I know” which you may find yourself singing along with on the first listen. What’s great about it is that it has that instant familiarity about it; a timelessness in the context of the band’s releases that will keep you coming back and while albums like “Class of 2020” suffered from the guitars being lower in the mix, here the band have no such issues. A cut that takes the best of the bands current live show style with a funky groove laden bass line during the rapped verses and a chunky riff laden sing-a-long chorus “Waiting” is an obvious single and stands out immediately. What makes the track is the introspective lyrical narrative, one to which we can all relate, while having the grit and integrity to carry it.

There are “Blackout” vibes with the sung parts and riff of “Too Late” but the 1999 era rap parts punch above their weight so the track feels like a Nu-Metal classic and no doubt would have been a massive hit 25 years ago. Now it is the rabid dog that refuses to lay down and yet doesn’t sound old or tired. Going straight Punk Rock “This Dream” brings us to something with that raw edge; a cut about how the life the band has isn’t a life for everyone with it’s highs and lows, it’s one that has doesn’t compromise on substance over style. Combining Rap, Reggae and Punk Rock effortlessly “Compromise” is as sonically cohesive as ever while doing those death defying leaps between styles and works incredibly well because the transitions are so slick. Again if you’ve heard the bands more recent live shows, you’ll know this feeds of what they do there and takes the best of that putting it into a single cut, all that is missing is the melodica. After those two mid-album cuts which stray from the path of the opening quartet, “Rat Race” brings us back to earth with a bump as Javier brings a heavier groove laden riff and we get some turntable action thrown into the mix. Another solid piece of Rap-Metal, it is one that will find old school fans cracking a smile because the band are having fun and not only does that come across in the music but it’s also infectious.

A healthy dose of reality are found in the gritty lyrics of “Going Nowhere” as Gomes raps about how hard it is to keep on the daily grind to feed the family. The balance between the darkness of the soundscape and those lyrics is perfectly weighted and once again it’s one that resonates. If you thought the title might mean a power ballad then think again because “Pour My Wine” one of those sex rhyme cuts front loaded with funky riffs that is nothing short of good fun. Turntable action in the final third and a little blasting from Stratton makes sure that should this one ever be played live, its going to go down a storm. A hip-hop orientated finale in “PCH” brings the curtain down with an upbeat positivity, a little melodica and the laughter of Gomes daughter, all of which combine to give the track a wholesome feel. Bands always talk all this and all that about their latest album being the best they’ve done, heavier or whatever but when you read the statement from Gomes about “Detox” and then you listen to the record it becomes obvious that here (hed)p.e. have done exactly what they set out to do. They’ve combined all the elements from some of their classic albums and created an album that is more than the sum of its parts. The best thing about “Detox” is that everything about it sounds right [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. No Way Out
2. Detox
3. Waiting
4. Too Late
5. This Dream
6. Compromise
7. Rat Race
8. Going Nowhere
9. Pour My Wine
10. PCH

“Detox” by (hed)p.e. is out 15th December 2023 via Suburban Noize Records