Hi everyone, it’s Sulan Surf Tano here, the internet’s busiest music nerd, bringing you a comprehensive recap of Blade’s latest album, Sulfur Surfer. This marks the tenth full-length commercial solo album from the Swedish rap sensation, arriving a decade after his debut in 2016. As someone who has had a mixed relationship with Blade’s previous work, I find there’s much to reflect on in his evolving career.
Blade’s ethereal and spiritual hip-hop style has undeniably stood the test of time, evidenced by the persistent demand for his music. His last album, Cold Visions, was particularly notable, showcasing a plethora of hits amidst a generally bloated tracklist typical of the rage scene. This time around, the sounds associated with the Drain Gang Collective define his work, which has influenced a new generation of artists pushing the boundaries of a futuristic, synthetic sound.
On Sulfur Surfer, it appears that Blade is feeling more ambitious and validated than ever. The album sees him exploring various musical inspirations and incorporating them into his tracks in ways that he hasn’t previously attempted. The tracklist is bold and eclectic, merging elements of new age pop, dream pop, indie folk, and even black metal. Some tracks feature wintry atmospheres and rough screamed background vocals, while others include an interpolation of Nirvana and a surprising feature from Current 93 on the track Fox and Birch.
On the surface, these disparate genres may seem unconnected, but many share a mystical, ethereal quality that aligns with Blade’s abstract style. His lyrics continue to delve into spiritually charged themes, existentialism, and philosophical musings. While I appreciate the effort to traverse different musical landscapes, I must be honest: Sulfur Surfer left me feeling underwhelmed.
Listening to the album, I found that the tracks I was most drawn to were those that felt quintessentially Blade. For instance, Under My Umbrella could easily fit into his past discography, with its enchanting, melodic chorus. Meanwhile, the aggressive production on Duran’s Bane resonates as a highlight reminiscent of Cold Visions. However, Blade’s attempts at a more aggressive sound often miss the mark, resulting in moments that are laughable rather than impactful.
His vocal performances, especially when he attempts to incorporate more expressive melodies, are hampered by his characteristic weak vocal range. The collaboration with Current 93, along with the spoken word outro on Blackfire, feels somewhat tacked on, lacking the cohesion expected from his previous works.
In the opening track Blondie, Blade adopts an ‘anime villain’ persona, delivering lines that come off as desperate proclamations rather than profound statements. This theme of disjointed messaging continues throughout the album, making it challenging for listeners to connect with the material. Unfortunately, the ending of the record feels mild and unremarkable, especially by Blade’s standards.
Ultimately, I found Sulfur Surfer to be one of Blade’s least captivating releases in terms of songwriting and execution. While fans who appreciate his philosophical approach might find value in the album’s experimentation, I can’t help but feel that it falls short of his previous heights. Therefore, I’m inclined to give it a light decent rating of 4/10.
Have you given this record a listen? What did you think? Did you love it or hate it? Feel free to share your thoughts!
