Most people would acknowledge that Rob Zombie lives in a world of his own creation. If you don’t try too hard to understand all the aspects of that world, you can simply enjoy the entertainment it produces. Therefore, don’t lose any sleep attempting to decipher the title of his sixth album, Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser. Just push play and enjoy the ride.
It seems to me that when he writes songs, Rob Zombie considers not only the sonic side of it but also the visual possibilities. I found this to be true as I listened to the album. I could almost see how he might incorporate Electric Warlock… in his stage shows. Considering his filmmaking talents and the way he weaves these touches into his concerts, it’s an exciting prospect.
Electric Warlock… opens with a brief but heavy intro titled “The Last of the Demons Defeated” that culminates in a chant of the first four words in the title of the album. The second track, “Satanic Cyanide! The Killer Rocks On!”, is a classic Zombie tune filled with vocal samples from assorted movies as well as his particular industrial/metal sound. The chorus of “The Life and Times of a Teenage Rock God” will soon be repeated by audiences all over the world. The very title of the first single, “Well, Everybody’s Fucking in a U.F.O.” guarantees it will not receive any airplay on terrestrial radio (not that Rob Zombie cares about such things). The song is a ton of fun! The beat is compelling, the guitar is screaming and so is Rob! The instrumental “A Hearse That Overturns with the Coffin Bursting Open” is a beautiful acoustic piece featuring John 5. It is a haunting, well-executed gem that was a pleasant surprise to discover among the other much heavier songs. The pace picks up again with “The Hideous Exhibitions of a Dedicated Gore Whore” with the inclusion of 60’s era keyboards mixed into the musical cocktail. With guitar distortion, the band charges into “Medication for the Melancholy” before moving into the second single, “In the Age of the Consecrated Vampire We All Get High”. The song is the epitome of Zombie music with vocal samples from horror movies, blazing guitars, driving beats, growled vocals, and a singable chorus. Following another more industrial instrumental (“Super-Doom-Hex-Gloom Part One”), Electric Warlock… moves on to “In the Bone Pile”, another very catchy fun song. Speaking of fun, “Get Your Boots On! That’s the End of Rock and Roll” utilizes all things Zombie to create a total party tune! The combination makes you want to dance and sing along. The album closes with the more moderately paced and moody “Wurdalak” which ends on a nice little piano solo to ease us back into our own world.
Rob Zombie spent over a year recording Electric Warlock… and has said it is his favorite album so far. I have been a fan since his White Zombie days and his concerts are near the top of my list of favorites. I enjoyed this album but I don’t think it measures up to Hellbilly Deluxe, my personal favorite from his catalog. However, with Electric Warlock… clocking in at a relatively short 31 minutes, you get a lot of bang for your buck. I don’t think Zombie breaks any new ground here (although the acoustic instrumental blew my mind in a positive way), but does he really need to? If you are a fan of the Zombie signature sound, this album will not disappoint.
~~ Metal Mama
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