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Perhaps you are still hanging onto the memory of White Zombie? This might have even kept you from being able to embrace Rob Zombie’s solo work. I can relate, but I am here to tell you that the more that passed between the release of “Astro-Creep 2000” and his current projects, the easier it is to gain the perspective that there is not much difference, and he kind of just picked up where he left off. With The Great Satan (Nuclear Blast Records), there is the more aggressive heaviness that marks days past, with a renewed energy to deliver these apocalyptic hymns. 

“Tarantula” blends the sonic heft of larger-than-life sound with grooves that keep this industrial thump moving, even in the face of Rob’s more Rock N Roll vocal stylings. He has never been the greatest vocalist; more often than not, is propped up by effects and his keen sense of where to put the clever lyrics he spits out. This is the secret weapon that empowers these songs. It is a case of being able to place what you have where it matters the most.”Rock n Roller” almost feels more like My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult. His declaration of being both an alligator and a space invader makes it sound like he is from Florida.

“Heathen Days” carries the heavy drive that makes him sound as vital in 2026 as he has ever been. The crushing guitar just helps with the aftertaste. “Black Rat Coffin” sounds like it came out after Astro-Creep, which is what you want from him. The groove to “Sir Lord Acid Wolfman” is cool, but I have no clue what the lyrics are about. “Punks and Demons” hits like nineties Ministry, as he keeps the arena shakin’ anthems coming with “Devilman!” “Revolution Motherfuckers” rides a rumbling bass line with a rowdy march. “Unclean Animals” demonstrates the use of effects on his voice to become almost an instrument unto himself. Making any vocal limitations forgivable. “Grave Discontent” closes the album, which is more of an instrumental outro.

Overall, this album is fucking fantastic, and shows that just because you came out in the nineties, it does not mean you have to forsake your sound if you are a good enough artist to perfect it. This most likely works better than if he tried to get the old band back together. It is certainly more inspired and stands tall against his best work. It doesn’t matter if you are hung up on digging through the ditches or kissing thunder in 1965; all of the elements that sparked interest in your ears when you first heard those sounds are in play, to some extent. In many cases, done in an even larger-than-life manner. Zombie continues to stun with his never-ending tour cycle, which brings a Vegas-level Halloween show to sheds throughout the summer. This album doesn’t require the spectacle and has songs that stand on their own two feet. 

Buy the album here:
https://amzn.to/3Oxz7pc

10 / 10
WIL CIFER
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