Last week, I received my copy of "Deth Red Sabaoth" the new album by Danzig and surprisingly, it made me think of fudge. With the past 15 years spent toiling in no- solid line up hell, poorly recorded and received albums and commercial failure, it's hard to think that this album, aside from maybe one or two "ok" songs, would be anything worth writing about. I am happy to report this album IS something to write home about.
I feel the album starts of with an OK foundation with "Hammer of the Gods, The Revengeful" and "Rebel Sprits," but REALLY starts to pick up with the bluesy "Black Candy" and rides out strong through tracks like "Deth Red Moon" and both parts of the 10+ minute "Pyre of Souls." In the center of the album, "On a Wicked Night," the album's first single, is arguably one of the weaker tracks, but deserves it's place and works with the sequence and flow, another area where Sabaoth triumphs. "Left Hand Rise Above" is a modern take on the classic Danzig template and closes an album that has a strong continuity with 1994's 4P. A continuity sadly missing from Danzig's work for the 15 years following its release.
Now, overall, Deth Red Sabaoth is not with out its faults. Excessive pointless guitar wanking/pinch harmonics, poor production and and a mix that seems to never quite "get where it should have" detract a little from the overall enjoyment, but the strength of the songs shines through. And much to my delight, absent is the sour taste that the "non classic line up" Danzig albums have left in the mouths of many fans. This album is not a challenge to accept as a Danzig record, nor does it offend with stooping into relying on nu-metal low brow playing like the last few outings.
Oh, I had mentioned that the album made me thinks of fudge, hadn't I? OK, I will explain: Danzig 1-4 are best described as your grandmother's amazing fudge she made while you were growing up: consistently tasty and enjoyable with hardly any faults. Danzig 5-8 is that crappy store bought stuff the aunt you can't stand brings to family reunions. Sure, it gets the job done, but it isn't good and just makes you long for the stuff your grandmother used to make. Deth Red Sabaoth is the fudge your mother makes, using your grandmother's recipe. It tastes good and is as close as it's going to get to that now idealized, perfect and timeless fudge from Christmas 1989.
