CD Reviews

Rob Zombie – Electric Warlock (review)

Published

9 years ago

May 17, 2016

Alexa Linger

Rob Zombie – Electric Warlock

By Alexa Linger

Rob Zombie began his music career in the heavy metal band White Zombie in 1985, for which he was the lead vocalist. In 1998, his first solo studio album, Hellbilly Deluxe, was released, the same year White Zombie disbanded. Since then, he has released five studio records (including his newest The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser) and he has directed and produced several films.

Electric Warlock was released on April 29^th and it delivered on… well, everything you’d expect from a Rob Zombie album. It’s trippy, loud, heavy, and fun; you can’t take it too seriously. And the sound? Rob describes it as an Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser – and it fits. (If you ever wondered what that sounds like… this is it). It’s a fast-paced, balls-to-the-wall compilation that, I believe, is made for fans. Because, when you make music the way Rob does, where do you go from there? So, maybe it’s a bit of what’s expected from him, but it’s catchy. I found myself singing along to Well, Everybody’s Fucking on a UFO. All day. (I think releasing that as a single was a super smart move). It’s a bit psychobilly – a mix of rock, punk, rockabilly, and rhythm and blues (think the Nekromantix).

Another favorite was Get Your Boots On! That’s the End of Rock and Roll, which I believe speaks to the ever-changing climate of the music industry. Is music dying? If it is, Rob Zombie’s music is alive and well. In fact, Electric Warlock debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 – not too shabby.

What’s nice about Rob Zombie is he doesn’t deviate from his campy horror lyrical imagery. This album is true to his trashy, Halloween-esque roots, but with a bit of funk. Whether it’s his “most fucked up musical monster to date” or not is debatable, but one thing is not: Rob Zombie can put out one hell of an album.

About Author

Alexa Linger

See author's posts

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

CD Reviews

BUSH 30th ANNIVERSARY OF “SIXTEEN STONE” VINYL

Published

3 days ago

November 20, 2024

Ron

I remember when this album came out in 1994 . I was 15 and really discovering all types of music. As being a typical teenage boy I seen the band name “Bush” and thought hmm I love bush, let’s check it out. It was such an amazing album from beginning to end.

The new released vinyl that just came out on November 17th is such a testament to this album being as great then as it is now. Listening to the vinyl just brought back so many memories of being an angst teenager that just wanted to heard. The vinyl package is amazing with lots of photos of the band throughout the years and the sound of the vinyl is so pristine.

I got my hands on the opaque red vinyl and just looks awesome spinning on the player. It’s crazy to think that this album has so many hits and no filler songs, even the songs that didn’t become hits are just as good as the hits.

With the hits being “Glycerine”, “Everything Zen” , “Comedown” “Little Things” and “Machinehead” but some of my favorite songs are not the hits songs like “Swim”, “Bomb” and “Alien” which is probably my favorite song on the album. If you’re a fan of Bush or this album or just want to dive into the mid 90s Grunge/Post Grunge era this is a key album to have in your collection.

About Author

Ron

Ron has keen eye for new talent, a love for the underground, and a tremendous passion for music of any genera. You’ll probably bump into him at a horror convention or some seedy club checking out the next need-to-know band.

See author's posts

CD Reviews

ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW

Published

2 months ago

October 3, 2024

Ron

Alice In Chains have Re-Released the 2009 album on vinyl. This album was the first Alice In Chains in 14 years and the first album with guitarist/singer Willam DuVall after Layne Staley passed away in 2002.

I was a huge Alice In Chains fan and was a big fan of both Layne and Jerry. When this album first came out I remember sorta pushing it the side only cause of sadness about Layne but after hearing “Check My Brain” I gave it a chance and was so glad that I did. This album is amazing and really put Alice In Chains back into the mainstream.

The vinyl not only looks super awesome but sounds amazing. If you’re a fan of Alice In Chains and into collecting Vinyl, this album is a must in your collection. It’s a great packed vinyl with 2 vinyls included.

Side A: All Secrets Known, Check My Brain and Last of My Kind. Side B: Your Decision, A Looking in View. Side C: When The Sun Rose Again, Acid Bubble, Lesson Learned. Side D: Take Her Out, Private Hell, Black Gives Away To Blue

About Author

Ron

See author's posts

CD Reviews

VENDED: Album Review

Published

2 months ago

September 20, 2024

JJ Ulizio

9/20/24 sees the independent release of the full-length, self-titled debut album from Des Moines, Iowa natives Vended. Featuring vocalist Griffin Taylor, Simon Crahan on drums, Jeremiah Pugh on bass, Cole Espland on lead guitar, and Connor Grodzicki on rhythm guitar.

On this album they have taken more abrasive elements of nu metal as seen in the late 90s from bands like Slipknot and Soulfly and utilized elements of metalcore to slap a fresh coat of paint on the style. There are elements that remind me of the more modern and spastic styles of nu metal, similar to a band like Tallah.

Griffin’s vocal styling showcases mid-range screams as the main driving force bending the vocals. True to the nu metal elements, the rage and anger perceived from the screams are offset by the occasional catchy riff or fast talking, almost rapping stylized lyrics.

Crahan shows an impressive command of rhythm with his double bass drum. Driving each track forward with a machine gun-like purpose, which makes the more groove-oriented parts hit much harder. Crahan, in addition to the rest of the rhythm section (Espland and Pugh), all really work together well to keep the momentum moving forward while not sacrificing said groove.

While I wouldn’t call it album of the year or anything. It’s definitely worth checking out. Standout tracks: “Nihilism” and “The Far Side”.

Vended can be found on the usual socials. And the album is available on all streaming platforms. And physical copies can be purchased though https://www.officialvended.com

About Author

JJ Ulizio

JJ has been a contributing writer and huge asset to Empire and Empire Extreme since the very begining. He is always digging for new bands and has a true heart and desire to see the bands grow and succeed.

See author's posts