Concluding our brief dive into the House Of Pain trio of records, Truth Crushed To Earth Shall Rise Again marks a significant shift in tone. Swiftly followed by the announcement of the groups split, it is possible the creative issues apparent on this album may have had something to do with it. Its opening track Fed Up is the only song I remember from years ago. I'm unsure if I ever gave this one much of a try back in the day but one things for sure, its lacks any kind of spark to mark it memorable.
No longer working with DJ Muggs, DJ Leathal's production is lackluster in comparison, missing the distinct flavor that defined their earlier output. These beats are middle of the road for a 90s sound. If anything, I find myself picking up some clear Pete Rock & CL Smooth vibes here. To be fair, little is negative but the temperament is so mild and easy going that when dipping its toes into shadowy, rugged or bombastic leanings, it doesn't manifest to anything substantial. It lacks teeth for the bite.
Bringing on a whole host of guests including the legendary Guru and Brand Nubian, the sound feels better catered for them than Everlast's rough, lived-in voice. He has a bit of friction with a lot of these instrumentals. On Earthquake though, the elements align for one decent track. Writing this now, it seems like a common theme, Everlast's hooks don't play of the beats all that well, yet his guests do excel with their verses.
Among the lack of cohesion and shifted tone there is a reasonable bunch of clever, crafty, witty rhymes to enjoy and brief bursts of fun, potent flows with powerful wordings, mostly from the features. The stars just don't align on this time around. Its left me feeling as if they had a great record in them that never came to be. Either way, its been fun to dig back into these albums with a 90s flair I adore.
Favorite Track: Earthquake
Rating: 4/10