Album Reviews : Rob Zombie – Hellbilly Deluxe 2

It should be no surprise that Rob Zombie was raised in a carnival upbringing. His fascination with horror movies and grotesque imagery has helped shape him into the director and music creating monster we all know today.

After numerous delays and an unpredicted release date due to the filming of Halloween 2 – Rob Zombie finally releases his b-music esque equal “Hellbilly Deluxe 2: Noble Jackals, Penny Dreadfuls and the Systematic Dehumanization of Cool”.

“Hellbilly Deluxe 2” borders on a sound of Alice Cooper meets Ministry, with a dash of southern blues and rock. The cliched 1950’s monsters and ghouls motif, along with typical Rob Zombie flavoured audio sampling has given the album a distinctive vintage early 90’s industrial punk rock sound.

The delivery of the new album is typical Rob Zombie.  ‘Sick Bubblegum’ and ‘Jesus Frankenstein’ have somewhat of a vague similarity to the classics ‘Dragula’ and ‘Superbeast’. The tracks ‘Mars needs Women’, ‘Virgin Witch’ and ‘Cease To Exist’ all offer some tasty and melodic tracks to sink your teeth into.

Ironically,  the album is more driven from a melodic aspect. The heavier dimensions which were present on Rob Zombie’s previous releases are few and far between on “Hellbilly Deluxe 2”. It all seems to fit though, more so with Rob Zombie’s famous “Yeah” and steady flow of atmospheric ambiance throughout. Musically, its quintessential Rob Zombie material. It’s a primitive sound, but it works.

The appeal of ghouls and horror will surely entice many of Rob Zombie’s hardcore following. The album may not offering anything new, but perpetuates a familiar sound which I’m sure many will appreciate. From a horror movie perspective, I’d consider this album a cult classic. Some will love it, others will despise it. 7/10

Band: Rob Zombie
Album: Hellbilly Deluxe 2: Noble Jackals, Penny Dreadfuls and the Systematic Dehumanization of Cool
Year: 2010
Genre: Industrial/Goth Rock
Label: Roadrunner Records
Origin: USA
myspace.com/robzombie

For fans of: White Zombie, Ministry

Tracklisting:

1. Jesus Frankenstein
2. Sick Bubble-Gum
3. What?
4. Mars Needs Women
5. Werewolf, Baby!
6. Virgin Witch
7. Death and Destiny Inside the Dream Factory
8. Burn
9. Cease to Exist <- Reviewer’s Choice
10. Werewolf Women of the SS
11. The Man Who Laughs