The packaging
The good
The cover has the band and album name in jagged lettering with a woman’s face surrounded by snakes. It’s dark, which is appropriate. The booklet is pretty much the same style as “I Luciferi” which means photos on every panel with incomplete lyrics. Some photos have the band, some have scantily clad women that would eat you alive. Glenn must've liked the purple font...it works.
The bad
I’m not sure why Glenn doesn’t put the complete lyrics in, and this isn’t the first time he’s done it (Samhain boxset and “I Luciferi” are two other examples). The US version comes in a slipcase which is just the cover. It’s an interesting add on, but for the money they could’ve put some CD-Rom stuff or a bonus disc.
The music
The good
Well, when I first got this I listened to it and made the decision that it’s better than “Blackacidevil” and “Satan’s Child.”
After further listening, I decided it is better than “I Luciferi.” The more I listen to it, I have realized that I have made a startling conclusion.
This is the best Danzig album since “Lucifuge.”
I’m not sure if I need to even say more than that. “Lucifuge” in my opinion, is the greatest album ever recorded...not just by Danzig, but in the history of recorded music. If Danzig never released that album, this would be the best album they’ve done (though I would not prepared to say this is the best album ever recorded).
Initially, I thought that the album was strong throughout but had no “highlights.” This is technically true, but only because the album is so consistent and so strong. What’s the best? It’s all great.
The album definitely has a dark and moody throughout. It has a very heavy and solid sound that is more “metal” than the old Danzig stuff is. Remember, this is Danzig 2004...the old purplesy sound of Danzig 1991 is gone. If you want a record that sounds like the old stuff you will be disappointed. This is a thick sound but it works.
I feel the need to defend Tommy Victor at this point. In a previous version of this review I complained about his false harmonics. After listening to the album a few dozen more times, the sound has grown on me. Several reviews I've read have complained about his guitar solos and that they don't fit the songs...I could not disagree more.
His solos have a dirtier style than John Christ, but I ask you this...when a band gets a new singer would you rather them try to sound like the previous singer or bring their own style? I remember seeing Life Of Agony with Whitfield Crane singing...except instead of singing like himself, he tried to immitate Keith Caputo (the original singer). I probably would've enjoyed the show more if he sang like himself. Why should a guitar player be any different? He has his own style and I don't think he should be criticized for it. You can criticize Glenn for picking him I guess, but I think the solos are fine. It's a different style for Danzig, but it's a different lineup and a different album.
Glenn’s voice sounds incredible. After 25+ years of doing his thing, there are definitely signs of wear but instead of sounding hoarse or weak, there’s a certain character that I feel makes the band’s sound stronger as a whole. I think the best examples of this are in “Nether Bound” and “Skull Forrest” but throughout the album it pops up occasionally.
Best songs...so many...the one most people seem to love is “Black Angel, White Angel” which is understandable. The song has a phenomenal vocal performance with a simple, upbeat melody. The chorus in “Circle of Snakes” is one of the catchiest Glenn’s written. “1000 Devils Reign” driving force is brilliantly offset by an almost sweetly sung vocal track telling you a sea of
angels falling. The chorus on “My Darkness” also must be mentioned...it is a well written song, but only Glenn can execute it this well.
You think Glenn lost his power for the heavy stuff? Check out “Night, BeSodom” and “Skin Carver.” Do you have any doubts he can’t pull off the slower stuff? You clearly haven’t listened to “Skull Forrest” or “Netherbound.”
What can I say? Albums like this are rare, jump on it.
The bad
Songwriting lowpoints? None. There are no “Wicked Pussycat” songs on here that will make you cringe.
The only negative comments I have are minuscule. The first concerns the vocal track on “HellMask” which is similar in style to “Bringer of Death.” I don’t know if it’s the heaviness or the speed of the song, but I just feel Glenn sounds like he’s struggling with his yelling. If you recall “Bringer of Death,” there is a vocal effect or layering that give it a depth that makes it work. On here it’s a single vocal track that I just don’t think it quite hits the mark. It’s not bad, but just not 100% up to par. The song is fine, but a bit more production would've made this a highlight instead of a small weakness.
The second is that every so often, most notably on the song “Circle of Snakes” there’s something about the snare drum sound that is irritating (not as bad as, but similar to “St. Anger” in that it’s more of a “ping” than a “snap”). What's odd about this is that it's not consistent...every so often a few beats will "ping" and then the "snap" comes back. No idea why.
Finally, Danzig is a band I can’t get enough of...43 minutes doesn’t hold me over. I would’ve really loved some sort of bonus. How about a “making of” DVD? Glenn has been talking about a studio rarities release for years...if he doesn’t have the time to make it a full blown release, it could’ve been a very cool bonus disc. Of course, one shouldn’t complain about the lack of extras–but so many bands are doing it these days it’s almost becoming a standard.
Recap
Unfortunately, I fear this review may due the record some damage as some will buy it and say “there is no way this is better than ‘4P.’” Well, all I can say is that if for some reason it doesn’t click immediately, sit down and listen to it a few times. You’ll catch on.
