This album was released in 2007, before the release of Bang! Pow! Boom! It's not a part in the series of Joker's Cards that Insane Clown Posse has released in the past, rather, it's just a studio album by Insane Clown Posse. Something interesting to note is that this album was made with the support of Mike E. Clark, but he didn't work directly with them, like he did on other projects such as Riddlebox and Bang! Pow! Boom! I remember Violent J saying that Mike sent him beats, so I am assuming that they collaborated over distance instead of directly. That's because this was after Mike E. Clark's near-death experience, and he had decided to reconcile with ICP because of that. Their falling out goes all the way back to Tales from the Lotus Pod, but that's a whole different story.
In any case, this album is different. With a variety of sounds and lyricism, as well as a notable release, this album stands out in their career. Coupled with the fact that this album marks their reuniting with Mike E. Clark, and its relation relative to other releases in their career, makes this album especially unique. With that final note, I'm going to dive into the rest of the review.
Graphics:
The cover features a rollercoaster - the Tempest, with a bunch of excited passengers lined in their seats. In the middle of all the commotion, Violent J and and Shaggy sit watching, stoically. Their facial expressions say it all: "Fun is for mere mortals. We are ascended beings and will not lower ourselves to your petty dopamine outlets." There's a little Hatchetman in the corner too. Their title is on the cover, along with the album title "The Tempest" written in stylized letters that wouldn't look out of place on an amusement park's banner. It's glossy too. Pretty to look at.
On the back there's a track list, and an ominous rollercoaster track leading forward, while lightning zips around and clouds obscure the path ahead. On the inside there's a small ad booklet, containing an ad for Eye of the Storm (The Insane Clown Posse EP), and a very charming ad for W Fuck Off Radio, as well as an ad for Hatchet Action News (Is that even still a thing?) and Juggalo Championshit Wrestling.
The album comes with a fairly large poster, which on one side details The Tempest rollercoaster on a larger scale, with menacing dips, lightning and all that shit. On the other side is something even more incredible, though. It has lyrics to all the songs on the album, against a pretty backdrop. This is incredibly charming and beautiful to me, the unfettered plastering of lyrics against a pretty background. It is such a nice way to represent it, and it really makes me happy, not only about the album, but about being a Juggalo. Seeing that on my wall every day would amaze and inspire Unfortunately I don't really like doing stuff like that. I'd rather keep the poster in the case with the CD, like it originally came. Maybe it's some weird collector's thing. But either way, the poster is really nice no matter what side you have it turned to.
The back of the album cover has shoutouts on it, to various people. The CD itself is purple, with Insane Clown Posse's name and the album title on it. The CD art is very, very nice, I think. In the CD rest is another continuation of ominous tracks leading forth, but this time with a notable difference: The words "Dedicated to the butterfly" and circled around the track in a wispy, twisting stream of air. If ninjas know about the Story of the Butterfly, you'll get this, and if not it will fly over your head. That's it as far as this CDs graphics go.
Content:
Out of all the Insane Clown Posse albums I have, I'd rank this one of my favorites. Actually, I only have three Insane Clown Posse albums (This among them), but I have a feeling that I'm going to feel the same way even after I get more ICP albums. Seriously, this is a good entry for the Wicked Clowns. It's produced by Mike E. Clark, so the beats are all set - and because of the fact this album isn't a Joker's Card, I feel like Insane Clown Posse was a little more open to just singing about whatever, you know? For example: they have a track about Violent J's weight gain around that time, and a song about that one man who climbed that tower and shot a bunch of civvies. They just have songs that cover an interesting variety of topics as opposed to all the death and punishment most Joker's Cards carry.
But I will be honest. This CD is not amazing, no, it's not. However it is worth your money. This CD is straight up Insane Clown Posse displaying their rap skills - hell, this album isn't really even horrorcore. It's just rap. The horrorcore is only influential, being more present on a track or two, but is generally not a large part of this album. That, to me, is amazing. To take such a large step out of their norm and diverge, to just release an album for the Juggalos, and reuniting with Mike E. Clark. It humbles them as artists, and makes me see them in a different more refined light. This is heightened by the fact that this album is strictly Insane Clown Posse - there are no features or guest appearances here, aside from occasional background vocals. This is a very solid album that will have you wanting to listen to it again and again, because it's just well-produced, creative and entertaining. This CD is not legendary, and it's not a must-have. But if you like Insane Clown Posse, you'll enjoy this album a lot. It's worth your money, for sure.
Anyway, I've talked too much.
JRH gives "The Tempest" by Insane Clown Posse a: 3.5/5!!
Strong points:
- Strong production value
- Variety of topics
- Unique entry in their career
- Insane Clown Posse's theatrics are very much present here, and don't fail to disappoint.
Weak points:
- The non-emphasis on horrorcore might make some people irritated, as it could be something they expect in an Insane Clown Posse release.
Enjoy your day ninjas. Mad clown love.
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