Back in early 1990, I was introduced to a one-of-a-kind band named White Zombie and their new album Make Them Die Slowly. I was instantly hooked on their unique mix of sex, rock n’ roll, and horror films. After I basically wore La Sexorcisto: Devil Music, Vol. 1 down to dime size, Zombie and company hit us with the incredibly infectious Astro Creep: 2000 — Songs of Love, Destruction, and Other Synthetic Delusions of the Electric Head. And just as the band was on top, they broke up. Rob then went on to release three solo albums: Hellbilly Deluxe, The Sinister Urge and Educated Horses (the latter strayed away from his trademark style and sound; and between me, a few friends, and some guy named Ralph in Idaho, sold like twelve copies). Now Rob is back with his new album, Hellbilly Deluxe 2, but is it really a “return to form?”

“Jesus Frankenstein” opens the album (only the way Rob Zombie can) with howling wind and spooky guitars that transition into a wall of distortion sludge. Zombie then proclaims “All Hail,” and gives way to bumping drums, groovy guitars, and thumping bass lines. So, so far so good right? Well, to be honest, that’s about as good as it gets. As soon as the track builds momentum, it loses it just as quickly with these weird acoustic guitar and piano interludes. If the song would have stayed the course, it might have been an alright opener; but with those odd-placed breaks, it feels wonky and totally uninteresting.

The first single and video is for “Sick Bubblegum.” Yes, you heard me right, “Sick..BUBBLEGUM!” Okay, before I get into that idiocrasy, let me say that musically the song isn’t too bad. The notorious Zombie stomp is in full effect and mixed with a decent enough guitar riff. Now, back to the lyrics. Um yea, what can I say about “Chew it up, Spit it out, Sick bubblegum. Blow it up, Stick it out, Sick bubblegum.” Oh, not to mention that it’s preceded by four bars of “Rock mutha$#@er, yeah.” I mean, I know he was never known for his lyrical genius, but come on…really? Has it come to this?

Songs like “What?” and “Mars Needs Women” really follow suit with average songwriting and uber-cheese. “What?” sounds like Butthole Surfers and The Munsters got together for a groovy, hip shakin’ shindig. On the other hand, “Mars Needs Women” has a rather promising opening with its down home southern charm; but to my chagrin, Zombie hits you with the hook, “Mars needs women. Angry red women.” Look, I’m cool with gimmicks and all, but this is just ridiculous.

“Virgin Witch,” “Burn,” and “The Man Who Laughs” are by far the best tracks on the album. The guitars are laced with solid enough grooves, while the bass and drums follow suit. Vocally, Zombie sounds like the Zombie of old by spitting creepy lines and keeping the tracks rolling at a smooth pace. The band mix in some cool keys in “Virgin Witch” that add a great deal of presence to the somewhat monotonous track. There are moments in all three songs when the vocals totally take a back seat and the band just seem to jam. For instance, “The Man Who Laughs” has a three minute drum solo that adds absolutely nothing to the song at all.

After what has been an incredible career, Rob Zombie seems to have completely run out of ideas. I would love to say that Hellbilly Deluxe 2 is a good album, but it just isn’t. Unfortunately it’s an album that is full of misguided pursuits, fragmented ideas, and lyrical afterthoughts.

Share This Post

Translate This Post

Other Posts You Might Like

No related posts found.