Album review: Rob Zombie – The Great Satan

When Rob Zombie struck out from the ranks of White Zombie in the late ’90s, he did so with guitarist Riggs and bassist Blasko, a trio that would last a few years before going their separate ways. Now, alongside longtime drummer Ginger Fish, the terrible twosome are back in the fold, and old blood truly has brought new life to the band, for The Great Satan is the finest Rob Zombie album in years.

While most releases have had their merits, 2021's The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy was a somewhat lacklustre offering, lacking any standout tracks, which is not an accusation that can be levelled this time around. Its three singles – Punks And Demons, Heathen Days, and I'm A Rock N' Roller – have all made this clear in the run-up to release. But the band don't blow their proverbial load on these tracks. Just wrap yours ears around storming opener F.T.W. 84, or the strutting Black Rat Coffin, to observe that quality control is being exercised, and chunky, metallic catchiness is the name of the game.

While stompers dominate, there are also other flavours, preventing things from getting repetitive. There's the slinky, swinging grooves of Sir Lord Acid Wolfman, while the climactic Unclean Animals is somewhat dreamy. Even the brief interludes play their parts, though it is the 93-second, organ-soaked breakneck punky blast of The Black Scorpion that delivers the album's finest moments.

The lyrics, of course, are predominantly berserk. It wouldn't be a Rob Zombie album if he was to get all sensible on us, and it's fun picking through them. In fact, 'fun' is perhaps the best word for the record, which is a riot from start to finish. Hail Sa – no, Hail Zombie.

Verdict: 4/5

For fans of: Ozzy Osbourne, Rammstein, Nine Inch Nails

The Great Satan is released on February 27 via Nuclear Blast