Dual Diagnosis, the New Jersey-based duo known for their intense blend of hardcore hip-hop and rock, has long been a voice for those wrestling with inner demons. Their track ‘I Get Up’, from the 2020 album The Intake, was a gut-punch of resilience in the face of adversity, drawing praise for its raw, emotive power. Fast forward to 2024, Mad Mike, one half of the group, has returned with a brand new EP titled Nature of the Beast. And we can say without hesitation the wait was absolutely worth it.
From the very first beat of the Nature of the Beast EP, it’s clear that this project is as much a journey inward as it is a musical creation. Mad Mike takes us on a deep dive into the chaotic mind of someone grappling with mental illness, fear, and personal struggle. However, it’s not just about the darkness — it’s about the fight to find the light within. Produced in part by Mad Mike himself and with contributions from multi-award-winning music producer The Arcitype, this EP is a testament to the duality of human nature: anger and peace, destruction and healing.
The EP kicks off with an ‘Intro’, the opening sequence of a psychological thriller, pulling the listener into the story while giving glimpses of the tension to come. As it transitions into the title track, ‘Nature of the Beast’, the EP takes on a more aggressive tone, with Mad Mike addressing the internal battles that everyone faces but rarely talks about. The lyrics speak directly to a higher power, or maybe even to himself, about breaking free from the chains of self-doubt and fear. With its hard-hitting beats and visceral lyricism, this track serves as both an anthem of rebellion and a confession of vulnerability.
‘Harsh’ follows, ramping up the energy even more. The track feels like a sonic punch, a gritty and relentless ride that reflects the intensity of raw emotion. Mike’s flow is razor-sharp here, weaving between jagged rhythms and dark, unsettling melodies. “Patient On The Run” balances aggression with introspection. The production here is top-tier, combining heavy basslines with melodic undertones that reflect the theme of being on the run from one’s own mental and emotional turmoil. There’s a feeling that the clock is ticking and time is running out to find peace. Mad Mike’s delivery is both frantic and controlled, making the track feel like a battle cry for those who are fighting against themselves every single day.
‘Murder One’ continues the theme of survival. Here, the lyrics dive into the darker corners of Mad Mike’s mind, addressing the weight of guilt, loss, and grief. It’s a track that pulls no punches, bringing forth the pain and frustration that comes with confronting past trauma. There’s a sense of release in the way the verses unfold as if each bar is shedding a layer of emotional armor.
‘The Edge’ is a haunting finale that perfectly encapsulates the overall message of the project. This track is a slow burn, building tension with every verse until it reaches a powerful climax. It’s here that Mad Mike’s vulnerability shines brightest. He’s no longer the defiant warrior from earlier in the EP — instead, he’s a man standing on the edge, staring down into the abyss, unsure whether to fight or fall. The production mirrors this sentiment, with eerie melodies and minimalist percussion underscoring the lyrics, creating a sense of isolation and finality.
Nature of the Beast is about survival — not just in the physical sense, but in the emotional and spiritual sense as well. It’s about confronting the parts of ourselves that we’d rather hide from the world and learning how to live with them. The beast that Mad Mike speaks of isn’t just a metaphor for mental illness; it’s a representation of the fears, anxieties, and struggles that we all carry within us. And while these things may be a part of our nature, they don’t have to define us.
What do we do with the beasts inside us? Do we fight them, ignore them, or learn to live with them? Nature of the Beast suggests that the first step to freedom is acknowledging that the beast exists in the first place. And in that acknowledgment, there is power.
