In the time I’ve spent as a writer here at The NewReview, I honestly never thought I would review an album from a living legend. Remember the Misfits? Remember “Mother”? Well, welcome to the introduction of THAT man’s ninth studio album titled Deth Red Sabaoth. That man, of course, is THE Glenn Danzig. Danzig’s previous album, Circle of Snakes, was released in 2004, making this a much anticipated and long awaited album. Usually six years would be too long to wait; well, unless you’re Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, or even Danzig. Once you’ve reached his status, your core fan base is still going to be there; but will Deth Red Sabaoth reach any new listeners?

Deth Red Sabaoth starts off with “Hammer of the Gods.” With Tommy Victor’s (Prong, Ministry) thick stoner riffs, it reminded me of Black Sabbath – Danzig style. With its catchy chorus, slow doom laden breakdowns and face-melting solos, it has all the makings of a classic Danzig track. “The Revengeful” follows by picking right up where “Hammer of the Gods” left off. The southern flavored riffs and smooth simple beats keep your head bobbing while Danzig spits his trademark sound through the mic.

“Rebel Spirit” introduces some double bass to the record for the first time, but don’t worry because it’s not overbearing or anything too fast. The song starts off with the drums in the spotlight, then quickly turns into a slow methodical biker bar sing along. “Rebel Spirit” again, just as most all of the eleven tracks, contains another face melting solo, which leads into the next track flawlessly. “On a Wicked Night” starts out with Victor’s amazing axe work mixed with Danzig’s distinctive haunting vocals. The track kicks into gear about halfway through and has a very classic rock feel to it.

If I have one complaint about the album, it would be with its production. Recorded and produced by Danzig himself, the album’s overall sound is anything but great. At times the guitars seemed muffled and distant, so much so that you can barely hear some of Victor’s fantastic solos. The bass is just there and the drums tend to sound flat – all while Danzig’s voice is blaring at extreme levels. I’m not alluding to anything here, but obviously this is a one man show if you know what I mean.

Even with its rather odd name, “Ju Ju Bone” doesn’t play around. If ever there was a song that personified Danzig’s “Evil Elvis” nickname, then this would be the one. The way Danzig carries his vocal line and other little nuances just scream Elvis. “Night Star Hell” features riffs so dark and evil, they showed me the way to hell as I listened to it. “Pyre Of Souls Pt 1″ is basically a three minute interlude to the seven minute masterpiece that is “Pyre Of Souls Pt 2″. Slow grinding riffs are accompanied with Tommy Kelly’s (Type O Negative, Seventh Void) amazing percussion work. The song just churns and churns along, slowly verging on a jam session. It’s an amazing track that just about any music fan should certainly appreciate.

Deth Red Sabaoth is well crafted and full of tracks that are Danzig at his finest. Just like I’ve stated on previous reviews, there are some bands/people who have a unique sound and stick to that sound no matter what. Deth Red Sabaoth is no exception. If you’re familiar with Danzig, then this album will be right at home in your collection; if not, then it will certainly make a great place to start.

4.0/5