CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist : Rob Zombie
Album : Hellbilly Deluxe 2: Noble Jackals, Penny Dreadfuls and the Systematic Dehumanization of Cool (2010 Roadrunner)
Tracks : 11
Artist website : http://www.robzombie.com
OVERVIEW
Having been a fan of White Zombie in the 90’s, I have only casually followed Rob Zombie’s solo career since the White Zombie was disbanded.
I tend to prefer the more riff oriented, high octane, material Zombie did with White Zombie to his more industrial rock approach that his solo material tends to have. That’s not to say that there aren’t any good riffs in the solo material, rather the overall sound and feel is totally different. However, that said, Hellbilly Deluxe 2 surprised me! There’s material here that have more of a classic hard rock style to them rather than that industrial metal sound.
The lyrics are definitely tongue in cheek. No one should listen to the lyrics on this record for literal interpretation or expecting high art.
Overall, the music stays in mid-tempo territory. There are some very cool guitar moments on this album courtesy of John 5. Production is what one would expect for an album like this. If you’re already a fan of Zombie’s work, you’ll probably like Hellbilly Deluxe 2. If you’re not a fan, you just might become one with this album.
HIGHLIGHTS :
Sick Bubble-Gum / What? / Werewolf, Baby! / Death and Destiny Inside the Dream Factory / Burn / The Man Who Laughs
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – Jesus Frankenstein
Interesting choice for an opening track. It starts off so mellow that it is hardly the usual type of first track offering of a metal album. It does get a little more intense in the final minute of the song.
Track 2 – Sick Bubble-Gum
This one has more of an old school hard rock feel than metal or industrial metal that Zombie is known for.
Track 3 – What?
Awesome groove. I enjoyed this track a lot! Really more of a classic hard rock sound again.
Track 4 – Mars Needs Women
Great acoustic work on this track. However, that industrial approach is not far off.
Track 5 – Werewolf, Baby!
Cool track. This one had a bit of a White Zombie vibe to it. I really liked the slide guitar work on this track. That was a nice surprise!
Track 6 – Virgin Witch
I really enjoyed the guitar solo on this track. It’s great!
Track 7 – Death and Destiny Inside the Dream Factory
OK, this is the kind of Zombie track I like! Very White Zombie! This one’s probably my 2nd favorite track on the album. Great energy!
Track 8 – Burn
Yes! This is perfection. Great riffs. Good arrangement. Well balanced between White Zombie and the more industrial sounds of Zombie’s solo work though the track is still in mid-tempo territory. Great energy.
Track 9 – Cease to Exist
Very interesting track. I really dug how theatrical this track is with all it’s spoken sound bites. Cool track.
Track 10 – Werewolf Women of the SS
This is a great track! There is a 60’s surf style guitar solo in this one as well as the over all feel being like that. It’s great! Brian Setzer, eat your heart out. John 5 can do this stuff too!
Track 11 – The Man Who Laughs
Awesome track! I really liked the way the violins gel on this track. This one’s very catchy! Did we mention the Bonhamesque drum solo? Yep, lots to like on this long track that never stops being entertaining.