The Great Satan

Sticking to what he knows best, Rob Zombie delivers another punishing -- but a hell of a fun time! -- collection of "Hellbilly" insanity on his eighth album The Great Satan. While theres nothing really surprising here, longtime fans will get a whiff of the faint funk of that early White Zombie/Hellbilly Deluxe aggression and devil-may-care energy, which gets straight to the point. If thats what youre after, this is a welcome return, considering all the psychedelic diversions hes made over the years. Notable for also being the big comeback vehicle for prime lineup guitarist Riggs and bassist Blasko, its an unholy family reunion where listeners can really feel that Zombie was all too happy to have his boys back. The Great Satan absolutely rips, with the jagged riffs, wild audio samples, and jackhammer drumming (courtesy of Ginger Fish) supporting some of Zombies best (and most rabid) vocals in many an album. Every track is worth the ride, but if one has to single a few out, "F.T.W. 84," "(Im A) Rock "N" Roller," "Heathen Days," "Punks and Demons," and "Tarantula" should rip faces clean off. Its really nice to hear that the old ghoul has still got it. ~ Neil Z. Yeung