Claas – “In My Head” review

This is the 4th EP from Arlington, Texas emcee Claas. For about 2 decades, this guy’s been steadily putting in work for the underground whether it be on it his own or as a member of groups like The Underground Avengers as well as VLNC & the Caarnivorz. He teased his previous LP albeit 3 with Lyrikal Snuff Productionz by dropping a trilogy of EPs leading up to it much like Strange Music used to do in 2019/2020 right before the COVID pandemic, culminating in This is Revenge being released in full 2 & a half years ago. He has since decided to take listeners In My Head over a month after UGA’s 3rd & final album Oblivion & 3 weeks since former AAA Mega Campeon, AAA Mundial Parejas Campeon, AEW International Champion, AEW World Tag Team Champion, AEW World Trios Champion, HoG Tag Team Champion, MLW World Tag Team Champion, PWG World Tag Team Champion, ROH World Tag Team Champion & TNA World Tag Team Champion Rey Fénix had his final AEW match in Claas’ city.

The title track has a morbid trap atmosphere to get the 3 song, 11 minute offering started demonically talks about demons following him with no end in sight while “In This Box” drearily acknowledges death at the door encouraging to let him in. “A Part of Me” ends the EP with a guitar & hi-hats talking about searching, but being unable to find.

Very much outside his norm, what we have is a culmination of the roughest stretch in Claas’ life dealing with everything that has happened over a 2 year span & finding a way to put all that into words. He tells a story of himself battling the thoughts in my head & finally coming to grips with the biggest tragedy in his life happening, slowing falling into the depths of dark thoughts in his head.

Score: 3.5/5

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Claas – “This is Revenge” review

Claas is a 40 year old MC from Arlington, Texas who’s been putting it down in the underground for almost 2 decades at this point whether it be on it his own or as a member of groups like The Underground Avengers or VLNC. But right before the pandemic started, he’s been teasing his 6th album (albeit 3 with Lyrikal Snuff Productionz) & even dropped a trilogy of EPs leading up to it much like Strange Music used to do in 2019/2020. Couple years later, we’re finally being treated to This is Revenge in it’s entirety.

“Sweartagawd” is a rowdy boom bap-tinged opener talking about how some people got him fucked up referencing WWE Hall of Famers D-Generation X whereas “Foxtrot. Echo. Alpha” follows it up with a more trappier sound getting in his hardcore bag. Keagan Grimm tags along for the rock-tinged “Friends” talking about burying their competition, but then Kung Fu Vampire & The R.O.C. come into the picture for the rugged “Devil May Cry” detailing what they’ll do when they get down to Hell.

Meanwhile on “Feast”, we have Claas angrily calling to be let off his leash just before the rowdy “What Does That Make You?” talks about how cats need to know their placements even though neither Chxxmpa or Sicnoizednice’s verses. Keagan returns for the trap metal-flavored “Revenge” expressing their desire for vengeance leading into the hellish “Come & Get It” lashing out to those who want to bring him down.

“Legen (Wait for It) Dary” is a riot starter tackling his legacy with a reference to former IWGP世界ヘビー級王座, 3-time IWGPジュニアヘビー級王座, NEVER無差別級王座, ROH World Television Champion, United Empire leader & the longest reigning RPW British Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay of 新日本プロレス while “Crowns” goes into a more morbid direction sonically talking about how his throne remains untouched. “Time Bomb” goes straight metal getting ready to explode mentally whereas “Gone (Never Comin’ Down) takes a spacier, trap route talking about never touching the ground again. Boondox & Cage link up with Claas for the creepy “Dichotomy” confessing being in the middle of a Holy war while “Outlaw” with JP tha Hustler & 1 Ton has a more operatic sound comparing themselves as such.

“Smoke” keeps the uncanny trap vibes going challenging anyone to step up to him lyrically & “The Sinners Win” returns to a more rock-centered sound talking about trying to evolve & survive. The song “Burn It Down” with Bukshot sees the pair telling the frauds to stay away from them over a rambunctious beat while the penultimate track “Fuckin’ Dope” reunites with Chxxmpa & Sicnoizednice for a more triumphant tune boasting their skills. “Suffocation” ends the album with yet another rock banger calling out those who don’t want him to succeed.

For as long as this guy’s been in the game, I think he really came through with his best solo effort yet & it absolutely makes up for the 2 year wait. Claas has always been a lethal wordsmith, but he really turns it up to 11 on here & I’m very impressed with the amount of different sounds that he goes for throughout.

Score: 4/5