Danzig III - How the Gods Kill

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Danzig

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Danzig III is possibly the heaviest of the band's first four records, clearly a metal record and marking a welcome return from the heavily blues-influenced Danzig II.

Things begin with "Godless", a strong opener with noticeable thrash and doom elements. "Anything" and "Bodies" are both solid but the next three songs highlight the album. "How The Gods Kill" begins as a ballad but gradually builds to a dramatic ending, "Dirty Black Summer" features the record's anthemic riff, and "Left Hand Black" picks up the speed for you to bang your head to. "Sistinas" is a beautiful, haunting ballad that showcases Glenn Danzig's trademark vocal style.

John Christ and Chuck Biscuits both shine on this record. The guitar tone is raw and aggressive and Christ plays many soaring, electrifying solos. Biscuits pounds the drums with impressive ferocity. The album is filled with chugging, thrashy riffs, squealing pinched harmonics, and crashing cymbals. Blues themes are used sparingly and do not detract from the overall mood of the record. I am not sure why III has developed a reputation as Danzig's "gothic" album, since dark romanticism, desolation, and occult and religious imagery characterize much of the band's work. This is a metal record through and through.

If I could give this 4.5 stars I would, but I am rounding up to 5 stars for the album's attitude and consistency. There are no bad songs on this record. It is a must have for Danzig fans and even casual listeners will find much to enjoy.