Danzig II: Lucifuge [PA] (CD - 1990)

Recorded at Hollywood Sound Recorders, Larrabee Sound Studios and Summa Music Group, Los Angeles, California.

Danzig's second release is also their most diversified. They explore their blues roots with a couple of boogies, a slow shuffle, and a slide number, throwing in a '50s-reminiscent ballad in waltz time for good measure. Glenn Danzig's theatrical vocals don't prevent these numbers from working surprisingly well (except when he attempts a Mississippi Delta accent on "Killer Wolf"), demonstrating his talents and range of expression as a vocalist. The simple, somewhat standard blues-metal riffs of their debut are here ("Snakes of Christ" is a flat-out rewrite of Danzig's "Twist of Cain"), but not as plentiful, making the record more interesting and listenable. "Her Black Wings" ranks with the band's best songs. ~ Steve Huey

While Danzig's sophomore effort from 1990, DANZIG II: LUCIFUGE, wasn't exactly as strong as the band's self-titled debut, it still managed to contain several standout tracks that remain among Danzig's all-time best. While the debut wasn't an immediate hit upon release, it succeeded in attracting a wider metal following (Glenn Danzig's previous bands specialized in punk) and establishing the band as one of hard rock's most promising new acts. DANZIG II also took more chances musically than its predecessor--while the majority of the album is rock-based, other styles are touched upon that were previously unexplored by the band.

"Her Black Wings" remains one of Danzig's most evil-sounding compositions (especially its sinister guitar riff), and became a popular video on MTV's Headbanger's Ball program. Also included is the explosive album (and subsequent concert) opener, "Long Way Back From Hell," as well as such other rockers as "Snakes of Christ" and "Tired of Being Alive." But the biggest surprises on DANZIG II: LUCIFUGE are undoubtedly the tender, Elvis Presley-sounding composition "Blood and Tears" and the semi-ballad "Devil's Plaything." minimize