Rob Zombie - Hellbilly Deluxe
Grade: B
By Ray Jay
Rob Zombie's first solo joint Hellbilly Deluxe is the continuation of everything that is
White Zombie. The horror-industrial sounds of White Zombie are very much imbedded in
the solo work of Rob Zombie and this is exactly the same stuff we've heard from Zombie
in the past. The rapid tempo and skillfully manufactured sounds embody the Zombie
vibe. Tracks like "Dragula," "Return of the Phantom Stranger" and "Call Of The Zombie"
are pleasantly satisfying creations, set in his standard horror-pop setting. His horror
without being shocking style combines very tight guitar riffs, modernly constructed
industrial-techno noises and the always uniquely distorted voice of Zombie. Those staple
sound samples are here in the solo work as well, losing their charm every time you hear
them. "Hellbilly Deluxe" doesn't do much to progress past the work of White Zombie.
Obviously the style of the former members is missing and you can tell Rob has put a lot
of care in the details, but this is White Zombie. It isn't going to make him any new fans,
but will more than satisfy those White Zombie fanatics. I'm not sure whether or not to
take his death/horror/scary vibe seriously, it rubs off more as a cheesy horror flick, but
his novelty sounds and unique style capture the imagination from time to time.
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