System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian, Wu-Tang Clan founder The RZA, Kinetic 9 (aka Beretta 9 from Killarmy), and up-and-comer, the Reverend William Burke from Chicago, have formed a musical alliance, Achozen, and have just finished recording their self-titled debut album which is expected out this summer. Plans are to release the album on Shavo's own online digital label urSESSION, with plans to tour this summer in support of the album's release.
Achozen's mantra is "Many shall come, only a few shall be Achozen," and the four principal members feel that their unique sound is not only spiritual in nature, but a new genre of "heavy hip hop," not "rap-metal." There are no heavy guitars on the album, but the sound is genre-blending.
Most of the "Achozen" album was recorded at one of Shavo's two studios and produced by the Grammy-winning musician. The bulk the beats were created by Shavo (only one or two samples were used on the entire record) who also played live instruments throughout, including bass and sitar. The RZA, who contributed his share of beats, Kinetic 9 and the Reverend William Burke handle all of the vocals and lyrics, which are, according to Shavo, "some of the most innovative, poetic and righteous words and vocals that I've ever heard."
Achozen's debut also features an eclectic and impressive array of guest performers that includes George Clinton, Red Hot Chili Peppers' guitar-god John Frusciante, Wu-Tang affiliate Killah Priest, Wu-Tang founding member GZA, emcee Sick Jacken from Psycho Realm, and Angolin rapper Leggezin Fin are all on the album.
Song titles are still being mulled over, but the track "Deuces" will make its online premier at urSESSION.com on Tuesday, 4/22 at 4:22PM PDT.
