Plan Z – Hellevangelist

With their third album “Hellevangelist,” the Los Angeles duo Plan Z once again proves why they belong among the most promising names in today’s horrorcore scene. Ram and Grim have developed a unique formula since their formation in 2019 that blurs the boundaries between hip-hop, metal, and electronic music, and on this six-track statement, they consistently continue that evolution.

Opener “Pits Of Hell” immediately pulls out all the stops. In just under three minutes, the listener is dragged into a sonic hell where Ram’s aggressive flow seamlessly merges with Grim’s dark production. The experience the duo gained in their previous nu-metal incarnation, Still Not Dead, pays off here – the metallic undertone in the beats gives their sound an extra dimension that many of their peers lack. The real highlight, however, comes with “Church,” a track that immediately stands out as a classic in the making. Here Plan Z demonstrates their mastery in creating cinematic tension. The religious themes are dissected with surgical precision, while the production varies from icy minimalism to explosive outbursts. It’s precisely this kind of track that sets Plan Z apart from the crowd – their ability to tell stories that are as compelling as they are disturbing.

“Walk-in Killer” and “Headcase” maintain the momentum with their unpolished intensity. Both tracks show how the duo balances controlled chaos with pure aggression. The influence of the West Coast rebellion is palpable here, but always filtered through their horror-obsessed lens. Ram’s lyrical imagery is so vivid it becomes almost tangible, supported by Grim’s atmospheric soundscapes that pull you directly into their dark world. “The Last Keep” brings an interesting twist with more experimental elements. Here, Plan Z dares to leave their comfort zone and play with electronic textures that further expand their sound. The result may not be their strongest moment, but it does show their willingness to grow and experiment.

Closer “Down with the Z” functions as a kind of manifesto, where the duo confirms their position in the scene. The track combines all the elements that make Plan Z so unique: the raw energy of their hip-hop roots, the heavy production from their metal past, and that distinctive horror aesthetic that has become their trademark. What makes “Hellevangelist” special is how Plan Z manages to remain authentic within a genre that often falls into clichés. Their background in nu-metal gives their sound credibility and weight you don’t often encounter in contemporary horrorcore. At the same time, they’re not prisoners of their past – every track shows their evolution as artists who dare to walk their path.

The album does have its limitations. With only six tracks, “Hellevangelist” sometimes feels like a tease of what Plan Z can truly achieve. Some moments could have been more developed, and the variation in quality between tracks is noticeable.

Nevertheless, this is a solid statement from a duo that knows where they want to go. Plan Z proves with “Hellevangelist” that they are more than just another horrorcore act. They are, as they call themselves, true evangelists of the Hellsound – and this album is their convincing sermon. (7/10) (Plan Z)