DANZIG

Having moved on from two legendary bands, The Misfits and Samhain, Glenn Danzig was already considering his next move.

In early July 1986, at The Ritz in New York City Samhain played what ended up being their last show. One fan in attendance that night was producer Rick Rubin. Looking to sign bands to his then new, Def Jam Recordings label. Having earned recognition for his inaugural signees, Slayer, Rubin was anxious to build his roster.
Rubin approached Danzig asking if he’d be interested in signing with him. However, the contract would be for Danzig alone, not rest of Samhain. Rubin stated, “the bassist can’t play, neither can the drummer.” Rubin had a vision for an underground supergroup with Danzig. He again, refused to sign.
Danzig very clearly told Rubin that the only way he’d ever consider it would be with bassist Eerie Von joining him. Rubin was skeptical but the guitarist and drummer would have to go and Von would stay. They all agreed.

In 1987 Rubin, still holding on to his supergroup vision, introduced the two to former Black Flag drummer Chuck Biscuits and guitarist John Christ. They jammed together and decided to join the new Samhain. The sound the four made was very different than Samhain. They all leaned far more into blues, traditional hard rock and even Doom metal. Rubin suggested a name change would be appropriate to reflect this shift in sound.
The band would now be known by his surname, Danzig.

In September 1987 the band entered Chung King Studios in New York City. Sessions lasted until April of 1988. The majority of tunes had been written in the studio with “Twist of Cain” and “Possession” originally intended for a Samhain record. The two songs also featured an uncredited James Hetfield on background vocals. On “She Rides” there are points on the track where I’d almost bet money it’s Jim Morrison. A standout vocal performance on the album and quite possibly Glenn Danzig’s career best.
“I remember calling Rick Rubin in the middle of the night and telling him that I wrote an incredible song—probably the best song I’d ever written. It was the song I always wanted to write.” That song was “Mother.” Easily the bands best known number and was released five years later as a single, in 1993, based on crowed reaction when it was played live. The cover of the Albert King classic “The Hunter” fits perfectly with the rest of the blues, heavy sound.
Danzig is a true testament of what a progressive producer can achieve without compromising the artist integrity. An album that’s sonically slick but not at the expense of intensity or attitude.
DJ Madness