Review
Hellfire by black midi is a blistering, chaotic ride that feels like a descent into musical madness. Released in 2022, this album is a genre-bending, theatrical experience, like a twisted carnival where jazz, punk, and avant-garde rock all crash together. Opening with “Hellfire,” the band sets a manic tone—it’s frenetic, unpredictable, and a bit unsettling, but that’s black midi for you.
The storytelling on tracks like “Sugar/Tzu” is intense and bizarre, weaving surreal narratives over dizzying riffs and relentless drumming. There’s something hypnotic about the way they push and pull with tempo changes and dissonant melodies, keeping you on edge, never letting you settle in. It’s art rock in its most chaotic form, fearless and sometimes overwhelming.
This album isn’t for the faint-hearted—it’s daring, pushing limits at every corner, and leaves you with that slightly uncomfortable, yet addictive feeling. Hellfire doesn’t just want to be heard; it demands attention, dragging you into black midi’s wild, intense vision whether you’re ready for it or not. - Rowan