Danzig - Danzig IV

The Danzig you don't know

This is not the Danzig you know and love/hate.
All the original members were on board for this one, but the results were the most progressive sound the band had prior to the electronica days. Yes, there are still Meatloaf Morrison vocal moments, and Devil Girl laments...But the flavor is a far more mature, almost Johnny Cash like somberness.

Glenn's singing ranges from near whispers, to what could be called "pretty," and back to the familiar power we all know. This is also the first time I can remember him using vocal distortion; a very un-Danzig concept for those familiar with his older stuff.

The band also seems committed to a somewhat different style on this outing. Backwards tracks and an almost acoustic flavor peppers the most diverse guitar work found in the band's catalogue. Chuck Biscuits must have finally been given free rein to drum as intricately and creatively as he wished. The result is almost tonal. Drummers take note.

Fans of the old style need not fear though, if there's anything Glenn Danzig knows how to do, it's make a rocker. Mixed in with slower songs sung from the perspective of a stalker, masochist, and Satanist, there's still plenty of the classic thundering action to be had. But it's those "other" type tracks that stand out. I tested my judgment by sneaking one of them onto a mix cd for my (normally eye-rolling) wife, and she didn't even know it was a Glenn production. Score one for the big guy.
This cd is definitely worth a spin if you want to hear something a little left of Danzig central.
July 18, 2008

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