Danzig - Danzig
1988 American Recordings

Track Listing:
1. Twist Of Cain
2. Not Of This World
3. She Rides
4. Soul On Fire
5. Am I Demon
6. Mother
7. Possession
8. End Of Time
9. The Hunter
10. Evil Thing

Line-Up:
Vocals:  Glenn Danzig
Guitars:  John Christ
Bass:  Eerie Von
Drums:  Chuck Biscuits

Website:  www.danzig-verotik.com

Scoot's Rating:  A+
Overall Average Rating:  A+

Scoot's Review:  
Glenn Danzig is easily one of the most infamous figures in the last 25 years of punk and metal.  Beginning in the late 70's with the formation of seminal horror-punk outfit, the Misfits, Danzig began on the path to legendary status.  After a stormy half dozen or so years in the Misfits, Glenn dissolved the band to start Samhain, featuring more skilled players and a further evolution of later period Misfits themes, away from 50s sci-fi schlock into something darker but less overt (and thus more sinister).

1988 saw the band evolve once again and a name change to mark the occasion.  Now simply called "Danzig," the group maintained Samhain's lineup but moved away from the moody, synth-heavy material they were known for.  The self-titled debut album is a perfectly executed chunk of bluesy metal highlighting Glenn's powerful swooping baritone.  Chuck Biscuits, one of the most revered drummers of punk's golden age for his work with DOA, Black Flag, and the Circle Jerks, provides the backbeat.  Former Misfits roadie/photographer Eerie Von fills out the rest of the rhythm section.  John Christ eschews the speed metal virtuosity that was so popular in the mid to late 80's and goes for more traditional blues based riffs.  After more than a decade of performing, Glenn finally had a group of musicians behind him with a level of talent commensurate with his own.

Of course it is ultimately Glenn's singing and songwriting prowess that make this album such a standout.  Often likened to Jim Morrison or Elvis, his voice is commanding and robust.  The songs on this album are stellar; any 5 or 6 would be appropriate for a greatest hits package.  "Mother" is obviously the most well known (though it was a live version that became a hit on MTV), but for me the slow smoldering malevolence of "She Rides" might be the high point of this lp.  Bottom line: excellent writing, excellent playing, excellent singing, excellent production.  Can't miss.
Scoot's Rating:  A+

Also be sure to read:
Danzig 3 - How The Gods Kill by Shev