Danzig “Skeletons” CD Review
Glenn Danzig. The very name often causes one of the most divisive reactions within the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal community. Despite the strong opinions and sometimes funny, sometimes confusing Danzig memes in social media land, the long awaited covers record SKELETONS is here!!!
The short but effective album jump starts into “Devils Angels”, a 70’s biker-movie theme song that all but eerily echoes his first yet most influential group, The Misfits. From there we get the laid back “Satan”, also from a 70’s biker film (“Satan’s Sadists ” to be exact!) While the lyrics are quite enjoyable I feel it should either have been shortened or moved towards the end of the record to keep the overall momentum going.
The slight buzzkill doesn’t last, as G.D. and the gang hit us next with the one two punch of Elvis’ “Let Yourself Go” (which yes, fits Mr. Danzig like a glove and easily one of the best cuts!), and one that will be the most recognizable of the set, Black Sabbath’s “N.I.B.” This is by far the strongest track of this release, as it shows complete loyalty to the original yet having Danzig’s signature sounds throughout!
Then comes something a little unexpected….A cover of Aerosmith’s “Lord of the Thighs”, which works surprisingly well, with Tommy Victor (of Prong and Ministry fame) showcasing his often underrated lead guitar capabilities. Danzig continues the mid-tempo metallic pace from the aforementioned track with another rare one, 60’s psychedelic act The Litters’ “Action Woman”.
From there we get the “newest” song to grace this collection, ZZ Top’s “Rough Boy”, that is a well-paced slower tube, before the Devi lock vibe resurfaces for a revved up and punked out take on The Troggs ” A Girl Like You”. The ten song set ends with a metallic update on The Young Rascals “Find Somebody”, before appropriately closing out the disc with a mostly piano and vocal somber version of The Everly Brothers classic, “Crying In The Rain”.
Overall, despite the production being a bit uneven at times, and a few tracks benefitting from the running order arranged, I feel this is a solid and essential release for Danzig fans both old and new alike!
3.5/5
Standout tracks: “Devil’s Angels”, “N.I.B.”, and “Let Yourself Go”
~Mathias Horvath
