Rob Zombie -- 'Hellbilly Deluxe' [classic review]

Rob Zombie
"Hellbilly Deluxe"
(Geffen Records)


"After your first success you never know if it's going to be you last one. After having finally reached a wide audience you have no idea what that audience thinks, or what they expect - it's kinda weird."

-- Rob Zombie

"Hellbilly Deluxe" is the perfect encapsulation of everything that was right with White Zombie. The album is a full-on metal assault of chugging riffs, head-spinning beats and classic Zombie charm.

The album is full of rock/metal staples, hits and fan-favorites: the explosive opener "Superbeast" that is a huge hit during the live shows; the chug-a-chug rumble of "Demenoid Phenomenon" and "What Lurks on Channel X"; the hit singles "Living Dead Girl" and "Dragula."

Zombie had perfected the sound he was creating with White Zombie, a blend of sleazy rock and twisted metal, a hint of industrial noise, churning rhythms and some occasional sampling. The whole amalgam is spiced up with a cult-horror flavor, whether it be the lyrics or the samples (even some of the riffs start to sound like organ chords).

While the music Zombie is creating isn't exactly anything new, he is able to put his own subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) spin on it and make it truly his own. Long-time fans have more than enough to love here; new fans will be instantly hooked with the unique melodies and cult imagery.

Following "Hellbilly Deluxe," Zombie began to expand his sound. The "Sinister Urge" was still a strong outing, but taken as a whole the album had its share of hit-or-miss moments. (As it turns out, Zombie was experiencing a little burnout at this point and internal struggles with his band was making his music life "seem more like work" than usual.) With a new band in place, Zombie felt rejuvenated -- this year's "Educated Horses" takes the fundamental Zombie sound and tempers it with a classic rock feel.

Zombie is also spending more and more time making movies. With "House of 1,000 Corpses" and "The Devil's Rejects" already under his belt, the modern-day auteur is working on a full-length animated feature and is rumored to take the helm of "Halloween 9."

Still, whenever the whim hits, Zombie is sure to offer up more spooky-metal for the masses.