Well, this one, Danzig’s self titled debut is certainly a pearler. Glen Danzig who’d previously fronted the Misfits and then Samhain regrouped with his Samhain bass player Eerie Von and picked up guitar player John Christ and drummer Chuck Biscuits who’d previously played for hard core legends Black Flag. A great pedigree assembled from various genres, but how did it sound?
The album opens up with the simple but very catchy “Twist of Cain”. Danzig’s voice is in fine form here, throaty, gravelly and very sublime. It sounds like an evil version of Elvis mixed in with Jim Morrison. “Not of this World” keeps everything going nicely but its the third song, “She Rides” which sets Danzig (the band) apart from most of what was going on at the time. The band come out with some sleazy bluesy sounding riffs, which suits Danzig’s voice perfectly. This music is dark, sinister and rather sultry for lack of a better word.
“Soul on Fire” is another smouldering slow burner, further showing off Danzig’s vocal abilities. “Am I Demon” is another riff-tastic track channelling a bit of Sabbath, but a great way to raise the energy levels of the album. “Mother” is the money track on this record. I’m not sure how it did for the band as a single as the video was banned from MTV (due to Danzig sacrificing a dove over a scantily clad babe) but its definitely an ear-worm that doesn’t leave your head. There’s a cover of a BB King song, though obviously “Danzigged” up a little and the album closes off with “Evil
This album is just pure class. It combines heavy riffage some bluesy classic rock sensibilities in a way that is just unique. It is a complete pleasure to listen to. At time time I wasn’t really listening to much heavier than than Glam Metal, but you were either listening to that or thrash metal and this was a nice in between providing something. a bit darker than the glam scene and something a bit more subtle than the shred of Priest or Ozzy and definitely more accessible than those that weren’t ready for thrash metal. Defs a classic for the ages.