Tuned Up has the privilege of premiering Fangs, the debut album from hip-hop group Grand Mantis. Fangs is an experimental, trippy experience of a record. Featuring emcees Yikes the Zero and Osevere, who drop dueling bars in their unique baritone and tenor. The vocal mix is reminiscent of B-Real and Sen Dog of Cypress Hill. Beats are provided by DJ Skipmode who takes listeners to school with his old-style turntablism and boom-bap drum programming. And the eerie psychedelic atmosphere is created by the droning, distorted guitar leads from Thaddeus Cole-Pepper.

Yikes the Zero says of the album: “When we came up with the name Grand Mantis we were shooting for something bold. This being our first album together, we wanted to establish that same type energy. For the most part it’s all about wreck. Fear none, respect everyone. This is our imprint, a big ol’ gnarly sasquatch footprint. We wanted to bring the Fangs out on every track but we know we have plenty of room for growth and our best work as artists is ahead of us.”

Fangs comes out Friday on Philadelphia’s Knife Hit Records, an independent punk and heavy music label. Digital downloads and limited-edition cassettes can be purchased on Giant Mantis’ Bandcamp page HERE. Follow the group on Instagram. And listen to the album FIRST right here.