ARTIST: Rob Zombie
ALBUM: Hellbilly Deluxe 2
LABEL: Roadrunner Records
RELEASE DATE: February 2, 2010
B-horror Music Train Wreck
Photo by Roadrunner Records
Written by Jenny Frank
Hellbilly Deluxe 2 is the fourth solo release from Rob Zombie, the White Zombie frontman turned film/television director. The album originally scheduled for release in November 2009 was pushed to February 2010 due to a last minute change from Geffen Records to Roadrunner Records. Subsequently, the album’s first single “What?” was prematurely released to radio stations and on iTunes in early October 2009. By far the most well-crafted song on the album, “What?” has a distinctive industrial feel reminiscent of old-school Ministry complete with Zombie’s distorted raspy vocals. This radio friendly single with “a ha a ha a ha” chorus that easily latches on and doesn’t easily let go is exactly what non-hardcore Rob Zombie fans need to remind them why Rob Zombie deserves a second listen. It’s too bad that Zombie (citing lack of time before he began touring) failed to make a video or even so much as send out releases of the single to the press; thus, dooming “What?” to be quickly forgotten by press and fans alike.
Unfortunately, the rest of the album is lack luster in comparison. At best the songs on Hellbilly Deluxe 2 can be compared to scenes from one of Rob Zombie’s recent big screen horror films. He is without argument a master in imagery–the kind that makes most people’s nightmares look like Candy Land inspired dreams. Rob Zombie’s (fake) trailer for Werewolf Women of the SS staring Nicolas Cage can be seen as part of the Tarantino/Rodriquez, Grindhouse Movies, as well as being the 10th track on Hellbilly Deluxe 2. An almost compulsive attention to detail both as a director and musician is what allows Rob Zombie the creativity and success he often achieves by juxtaposing completely random images, themes and musical influences together. With so many projects in the works including numerous films and a television directorial debut on CSI: Miami it is likely Rob Zombie just found himself spread a little thin. Hellbilly Deluxe 2 (with the exception of What?) is void of the kind of attention to detail fans are accustomed to.
With an already cult following for Werewolf Women of the SS, Zombie should have a built-in second single. From the science-fiction, B-horror-movie imagery to the classic, almost Dick Dale-esque surf guitar “Werewolf Women of the SS” barely misses the musical mark. Instead, like most tracks on Hellbilly Deluxe 2, “Werewolf Women of the SS” falls victim to a plague of over-powering, redundant guitar work from John 5 (Marilyn Manson fame). And there are doubts if RoadRunner Records would release a single with blatant Nazi imagery, regardless if it is nothing but a science fiction joke.
Instead of re-releasing “What?” or taking the chance on “Werewolf Women of the SS” it looks like the (second) first single is the non-radio friendly “Sick Bubblegum” with its “…rock motherfucker rock….” chorus and numerous cliche’ (and pointless) guitar solos. Lacking all creativity in lyrics and music “Sick Bubblegum” is easily forgettable and will definitely suffer from the repeated “bleeeeeps” necessary for radio and MTV play.
Listening to new music is often like sex with a stranger–full of anticipation and excitement. In the case of Rob Zombie’s Hellbilly Deluxe 2 it’s more like a drunken one night stand with someone who is not a total stranger–vaguely familiar in a slightly comforting way; yet somehow unsettling and almost repulsive; definitely not someone you want to wake up next to every morning. After waiting 4 months for its release fans will undoubtedly love having some new Rob Zombie material. After a few listens even some die hard fans will agree, Hellbilly Deluxe 2 is nothing more than a drunken one night stand.