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Zombie, Rob: Hellbilly Deluxe 2

It seems like Rob is into sequels these days. First it was the second installment of his remakes of the Michael Myers saga, the film Halloween 2. Now we get the continuation of his 1998 debut solo album with the release of Hellbilly Deluxe 2.

Zombie's love for the "B" grade horror flicks is at the forefront of this diabolically fun bit of campy metal. Rob takes you to the drive-in and leaves you remembering those days when you went to such a place, not so much for the movie but to use it for the background for other activities. Not only does he create the atmosphere where you might think "Werewolf Women Of The SS" might live and breath, he manages to do so with the spirit from which this type of movie is made for.

This is the first solo disc where Zombie uses his touring band for the whole thing. There are no guests on the album and I think that the presence of John 5 on guitar makes this one a notch above the rest of the pack. He has that unique ability to come up with the perfect guitar tone and riff for whatever the subject matter is. He is most definitely a plus and seems to be able to produce tonally just what Zombie is trying to depict with his music.

From the beginning of the disc, there is little doubt that this is going to be a metal fest of straight forward, fist pumping, outrageousness that only Rob Zombie can bring to you. Even though he doesn't stray very far from the path on any of his releases, he as always makes it a fun trip when you go along with him and the band.

There are some surprises for you along the way though. The acoustic intro to the thumper "Mars Needs Women" is a nice touch that makes the pulsating beat of the song even more menacing after being lulled in by the mellow beginning. John 5 also adds some terrific slide work on the song "Werewolf, Baby" that is spot on for the song. He is a guitarist that is finally getting his due. He has done some very fine work and people are starting to realize just how good this Michigan boy is with his 6 string. Throughout this disc he adds a dimension that only enhances the work of Zombie.

With references to movies such as Zardoz ("Sick Bubblegum"), Hollywood in general ("Death And Destiny Inside The Dream Factory") and even Victor Hugo ("The Man Who Laughs"), Zombie gives us all a trip down memory lane with a vengeance. You will laugh, you will pump your fist and you will enjoy this metal fest that explodes out of the low rent district in which Zombie chooses to dwell. This is rock and roll at its most primeval. Guttural and nasty, you can just sit back and enjoy this one as much as the Friday Night Creep Shows. Zombie has another winner.

I also have to comment on the booklet that comes with this disc. Zombie has said that this could be his last CD as he thinks that everything will go digital and there will be no physical CD's very soon. So, he went all out with the art work. He enlisted a slew of great artist to create a very cool package. Each song has a movie poster style page with lyrics. They are done in a way to pay homage to the genre that he loves so much. It is a terrific addition to the album.

All in all you are going to get a Rob Zombie disc that has everything that you like about his music. If you are not a fan already then toss on "Sick Bubblegum" and try to sit still. This is the first disc of 2010 that is going in the must have file!!

Track listing:

1. Jesus Frankenstein
2. Sick Bubblegum
3. What?
4. Mars Needs Women
5. Werewolf, Baby!
6. Virgin Witch
7. Death And Destiny Inside The Dream Factory
8. Burn
9. Cease To Exist
10. Werewolf Women Of The SS
11. The Man Who Laughs

Added: February 7th 2010
Reviewer: Scott Ward
Score:
Related Link: Rob Zombie's Official Page
Hits: 2033
Language: english

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