Blaze Pascal can write himself into the pages of history with his latest album. Not a double, but a triple album length-this is a journalistic experience. Titled Paradox, it features 27 tracks with interludes and chapters that make it a complex affair, one you’ll fall in love with. The German rapper is creating waves with his natural flow and unadulterated lyrical prowess.
Layering the album with the Devil and Angel resting on his shoulders, he alternates and creates a constructive contrast. Intro as the name suggests, is a broad picture of what Blaze Pascal means to himself and the image he wants to project. Reanimation relooks at his journey so far, where he’s alternated between the good and bad. Vices and prizes unite, layer and create this complex individual.
Though language is a bit of a barrier, the flow and wording makes it simpler to classify. Schelchtes Karma in its literal sense talks about how you can’t choose your karmic result. The beats and interspersed melodies are simple yet drop heavy because of his artful delivery style. Dunkelziffer cherishes in its vagueness. The literal translation seems to be unreported, but knowing the depth of the language, it explores the mystery of his own mind. These deeply personal tracks visualize an introspective journey where each feeling is accounted for.
Blaze Pascal goes to Schluck next, has a mysterious tone for its instrumental. The beats resonate with his deep voice, creating quite the funnel of sound. Focusing more on the background eventually, Bad Bunny tracks next. Blaze features English lyrics on this track as well, floating between his thinking language and the more commonly understood verses standing out. Flutes create a balance between the heavy reverb of the beats. Bubble breaks the caged process of thought and the concept of breaking out. The flow is strong, creating its own rhythm while Blaze is at the helm. Breitbild talks about the factoring of perspective. With a pop infused flavour, it is a massive shift from the background that we’ve been hearing. It is a welcome dance style change.
Thrash her takes a deeper look at the tone and makes it somber again. There are names dropped and styles of performing criticized, with what I can make out. Gangshit depicts a change in phase and style, exploring the kind of delivery Blaze Pascal looks at. There are complex phrases and their breakdowns as well, with quite the groove. Rosenaustraße might dive into the place in Augsburg, and Blaze’s perspective on the same. With details and incidents of the place, it is a reduction to the essence. Man on a Mission boasts quite the trap beat with some quality verses, merging the English lead with German poetry.
Kartenhaus is house of cards, talking about the shifts of power and dynamics-aspects of humanity that are truly harrowing. The impressive element in Blaze Pascal and his approach is amalgamating a second or third language in his work, making the art a little more inclusive. Blaze approaches aspects that might terrify people to meditate upon. His album includes skits and sketches, moments of love and hate. Most importantly, he deftly learns lessons from his experiences and forms true art with it.
Unless you’re proficient in German, you’re missing on a major chunk of this man’s genius. He has shifted phases and compiled a comprehensive virtual look at himself. Look inside, maybe you’ll find something about yourself through him.
Listen to his album here:
