I’ve seen Danzig in concert numerous times as well as meeting the band afterwards. One of the images that I will take to the grave with me will be the first time I met Glenn Danzig. Even though I had a backstage pass to the event I followed the advice of a good friend and waited outside – in the pouring rain – to try and meet a few of the band members. So there I stood – soaking wet – freezing my butt off – and then the door opened. Huuhhhhh? Out walked the sinister frontman; carrying his own bags, no ego, no entourage and no attitude. After I jumped in his path and blurted “I’m not a psycho fan but can I have your autograph? He openly laughed at me as I fumbled to find something dry for him to write on, signed his name and told me “You better get dried off or you’ll catch your death. It wasn’t what he said, but how he said it. [schoolgirl squeal]
It’s the “down to earth” mentality that keeps the band from becoming ego monsters that go for quantity over quality. They’ve yet to release a single CD or video that is less than perfect in any aspect; this release included. Before I started writing this review I checked to see how many other music lovers had reviewed this – sadly only four have put paper to pen [or finger to key] for this one. Maybe this review will spark other fans to purge themselves and show some skin for the sake of Danzig.
Danzig is the first beast in the series of released from the band. Frontman Glenn got his feet wet with The Misfits back in 1977 and then Samahin in the early 80’s. John and Eerie crossed over into the group from both The Misfits and Samhain and Chuck – well, he just showed up one day [so the story goes]. Regardless of how they got together, the world of music is a much better place because of this unholy union.
Considering that this was released in 1988 – and contains three of my favorite – all time Danzig songs – the overall appeal is still there. It’s not “dated” or showing any signs of aging. While their style has progressed thought the six releases – I doubt anyone would be able to tell the different CD’s apart if they were all thrown in a CD player and shuffled. Kind of like going back to a restaurant and ordering the same thing every time – it’s cooked the same way, tastes the same and fills a craving. Such is Danzig.
Twist Of Cain 4:18
To open up a can of worms is to look back at an event and not realize what you’ve gotten yourself into. Twist Of Cain tells the tale of Cain and Able [biblical folks] with a darker depiction A fitting song to kick things off with – awesome guitar intro from John backed up with bass support from Eerie – and much like an overpriced desert – topped off with lyrics and vocals that fill any sweet tooth. Hey, it’s got a great beat and you can slam to it.
Broke commandments
And he tumbled like a toy
Blood
Like a crimson highway
Spreading out
From his forehead to the ground
Not Of This World 3:42
On some of the early pressings of this CD some of the songs don’t have a defined break between songs so the reader on the CD players overlap the tracks – if that’s the case you are blessed. Not only do you have a collector’s item but you get to hear the song blend into each other. Not Of This World is definitely one of Glenn’s stronger songs vocally – he really gives it to you the way real music is meant to be – fast, hard and unrelenting. Just when you think you find the tempo in this song it pulls the rug out from under you and slaps you around like a rag doll.
And you think that you know
The reason I'm alive
Truth is you only
Know the lies
She Rides 5:11 A Freak Favorite
If there was ever a song created for the sole purpose of taking a walk on the wild side – it would be – no contest - She Rides. Few songs can provoke me to jump on a table, rip my clothes off and embarrass everyone in my presence. The power of a good song… This song is all about the beat – mimicking the old school striptease classics – this is pure primal lust encased in a song. The guitar is hypnotic and serves it’s purpose – to build the song into a gyrating crescendo that is undeniably erotic, sensual and explosive!
And my loneliness in bondage
She's black
And sin runs down her back
She rides
Soul On Fire 4:36
This track starts off with a slower intro but – in classic Danzig drama – unfolds like a demented greeting card. While the music might seem a little bland and at times watered down this cut has some excellent guitar work to give it a nice swift kick in the @ss. The vocals are run of the mill and seem to get lost in the mix at some points in the song. The best part – in my opinion – has to be the last 30 seconds of the song. If you’ve ever seen them live you know that this song runs for about ten minutes.
Devil-girl you must burn
Burn at the touch
Of autumn's breath
Burn that heart of cold
Simmering in the Samhain of my soul
Am I Demon 4:50
This is one of the songs I attribute to my plethora of neck problems [in addition to Iron Maiden] – if you can’t bang your head to this one then you better check your wrist for a pulse. This is the classic sound of Danzig – “back to the roots and you’ll never fail” is my motto. On the surface the song is fast and gripping but if you dig into it a little you’ll hear some of the sweetest guitar pieces as well as a multi-layered effect. Crank this puppy up and let the head banging begin.
Faces of a million hells
Rage inside these veins
Pounding out deserved pain
To anyone in need
Mother 3:25
Without a doubt, one of the biggest hits for the band – MTV spread it’s rock and roll wings by playing this outside the Headbangers Ball rotation [Hi Riki!] This became the anthem for a small splice of a generation that would have been otherwise doomed to an eternity of glam metal. I hate to admit it but all the live versions are mediocre [at best] and lose the feel of the studio version. I’d like to see the song run for about a minute longer and have the guitars a bit harder – but that’s just me. If it ain’t brokeded don’t fix it.
Tell your children not to hold my hand
Tell your children not to understand
Possession 3:56
This song used to grate me – but like moss – it grew on me and I finally appreciated it for a melodic and methodic chorus. The creepy beginning with back masking and Glenn’s trademark howl are a great set the tone of the song. While I’ll admit this isn’t one of my favorite tracks off the CD, it has a charm all it’s own. This track lets you into the belly of the beast – affording you the opportunity to see the various musical levels the band is capable of. There was an extended version released in Europe that contained a live version of this song, but it was later found out that it was not produced or endorsed by the band.
And I will worm inside your skull
Make you beg to be my wh-ore
Do my bidding day and night
If you can take it and survive
End Of Time 4:03
This is another song that shows you the different levels the band is capable of – musically and vocally. Glenn’s vocals are as smooth as butter but retain a distinct power and force that is unique. The song itself is not as abrasive and hard as others on this release but don’t let that fool you. It’s dark but not oppressive – it delivers the message without killing the messenger. John’s guitar work is a definite plus on this track – taking it from “a great song” and thrusting it into the “awesome” category.
Got a new death
It lurks outside
Follows me home
Waiting for me
The Hunter 3:32
I’m really surprised that this song wasn’t a bigger hit for Danzig – it has all the great elements of a hit – exceptional lyrics, sexual undertone, loud guitars and great delivery. One of a handful of tracks from the band where you can hear a rhythm and blues influence. My one beef is that the music tends to overpower the vocals – but still – it’s a “tear ‘em up and spit ‘em out” kind of song so it still works.
Call me deliverance
That's what I offer thee
Gonna do a million little things to you honey
Your life belongs to me
Evil Thing 3:13
If you want a song that’s dark, angry and has a bite to it – look no further. evil Thing is a song that you either hate or love – no middle ground to stand on. It offers some solid guitar work, a mixed bag of vocals and the traditional evil feel. Glenn’s vocals are gritty and seem unpolished – but somehow they fit right into the song perfectly. A great closing song that has power and prose all rolled into one evil little track.
I serve my perdition
In this private hell
A thousand angers
Have kept me alive
The Breakdown
Danzig produced a sold “out of the gate” recording – laying the groundwork for the dark little projects to come. The entire CD carries a sinister fell to it, never letting the listened forget that they aren’t rock, metal or alternative, they are – Danzig.
While the lyrics and music were all penned by Glenn, it is the entire band that manages to take a song on a piece of paper and make it come to life. Giving it it’s own entity – but never letting it get off the leash. As with most things in life – the group evolved and grew musically, a fact that is evident with its subsequent releases.
Considering that this was released in 1988 – it’s still a top of the line production. I’d recommend listening to it at high volume with headphone to really experience all the little extras that are hidden in the music. It’s also interesting to note that Glenn isn’t a spring chicken – I hope I can do half the stuff he’s doing when I’m 45. [I still have a hard time believing that he was born in 1955]
As always… thanks for the read… ^V^ Freak ^V^
Dedicated to Riki Rachman, former host of MTV’s Headbangers Ball. Thanks for all the videos! :] ~
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