Release Date: Out Now
While the first three Danzig albums were, and still are, considered to be an essential part of any true metalheads music collection it is fair to say that the band, fronted by ex-Misfits frontman Glenn Danzig, faded into relative obscurity; still releasing fairly solid albums but appearing to have peaked with the 1992 release "Danzig III: How The Gods Kill"; this latest effort sees the New Jersey band back on form with somewhat of a return to their original 70s rock influences.
The first thing that hits you about the sound of this record is that it could easily have been plucked out of the late 1980s. It sounds like a classic Danzig album with bone shaking bass lines which tear right through you and fuzzy down-tuned guitars chug through a set of songs which reflect the dark lyrics from Danzig's warped mind; his trademark low, threatening voice complimenting perfectly the heaviness of the music. Particular highlights include album opener "Hammer of the Gods", "Rebel Spirit" which features some impressive solo-ing from guitarist Tommy Victor and "Black Candy" with its delibrately slow moving riff. The absolute pinnacle of this album however is "On a Wicked Night" which showcases just how good Glenn Danzig's singing really is. His voice rings out above an acoustic riff which conjures up nightmares before the pounding rhythm section kicks in; it is as close to a ballad as this band will get and proves that you can still be evil while showing off a sensitive side.
With it's exploration into the dark, demonic side of life, 70s influenced guitar riffs and low fuzzy sound this is essentially a classic Danzig album for the new era. While the band does not quite reach the levels of their self-titled 1988 release this is a fully enjoyable effort; proving that even after more than two decades, Glenn Danzig can still reach into the dark recesses of your mind and create nightmares. (8/10)
Jack Knox
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