Danzig Album: “6:66 Satan's Child”

On my initial examination of this album, I was disappointed. The cover artwork and photography is hackneyed and cliched, and the tracks, from first to last, lacked the originality and verve that hallmarks all of Glenn's previous offerings; from "Cough/Cool" to "Blackacidevil" (a MUCH better album than most seem to think, one of the finest in the Danzig canon, in my opinion), Glenn's presence was obvious. Not so here. At least, not IMMEDIATELY. Despite the continuing downward spiral of Glenn's lyrical imagination, a few gems can be unearthed here nonetheless, most notably the urgent "Unspeakable", and Danzig's own take on "Thirteen", the track written for, and recorded by, Johnny Cash in 1994 ("Come To Silver" on the "Blackacidevil" album was also submitted to Cash, but rejected in favour of "Thirteen") - although I feel that Cash's version is superior. Many reviewers have lamented the departure of the other members of what I suppose should be considered the definitive Danzig lineup (Von, Biscuits, Christ) since the split from American Recordings, but they really shouldn't be too surprised since Glenn has been chopping and changing his band lineups throughout his career, and although Castillo and Lazie do not stamp their mark on this album with as much authority as the previous Danzig incumbants, they do what is required of them with considerable aplomb. Yes, this album is derivative of all of the acts mentioned elsewhere in these reviews (Korn, Rob Zombie etc.), and yes, this is a shame for long-time fans since all other releases by Glenn Danzig escape any comparison or classification other than simply "DANZIG", but new listeners will find that this album is an album ultimately worth owning, although I would hasten to advise that anyone new to Glenn's work should try ANYTHING else that he has recorded other than this first in order to maximise their appreciation of this unique talent. It IS his worst effort to date, but "poor" by Glenn Danzig's standards is still "pretty damn good" by anyone else's, and as I said, it'll grow on you...

I am a longtime fan of Danzig's work. In my opinion of all his Danzig albums this is probably tied for worst with Danzig 5, but it's still a kickass record. This is the first album where Danzig conceals his vocal strength, or weaknesses as may be the case.

In Danzig 5 many people hated the heavy effects on his voice, but the truth is you could still hear some of his most powerful singing on Hand of Doom, so it was more of a stylistic approach than a concealment. He stated that this would be an album that fans of his older stuff would like more, and it is more true to old form than 5, however I don't dislike the album on the merits of the muffled vocals so much as the weak songwriting. The album feels like it might be B-Side tracks to some of his stronger material, and I think this was a creative low for him.

But before you crucify me, let me state that even Danzig's B-sides is great music in comparison with most [stuff] out there. In a way he's become a victim of his own success in the same way that Star Wars was so hyped that in the end, everyone [got upset] when they saw Episode 1 (which wasn't too bad). But I'm getting away from the subject :).

This album's highlights in my opinion are Lilin, Satan's Child and Firemass. Firemass is probably my favorite and I think the creative highpoint of the album. I love how the bass sounds during a break in the drums in the beginning. There is a lot of fun in this album but in the end you kinda feel a little unsatisfied.

Okay, Danzig 5 was a bit of a disappointment. On this new one, he's found a way to cross the industrial influences of "Blackacidevil" with the huge neckbreaking stomp of the first album. If you're a metal/hard rock fan and you've been lamenting the sorry state of late 90's music, you need this album. The song he wrote for J. Cash resurfaces here and it's worth the price of admission. I'd give it a perfect 5 but it's not quite in the same league as "Lucifuge" or "Don't Break the Oath" (Mercyful Fate).

I dont know what all of these other people are talking about. This is an awesome cd. It is like the predecessor to circle of snakes with a touch of lucifuge. I truly enjoy it. Five finger crawl is the best song on the cd, however, the rest of the songs are very solid. This is my second favorite Danzig cd ever. lucifuge is #1

The Left Hand Black Is Back....This CD will hit you like a sledgehammer. I had a hard time with the industrial turn Glenn took with 4 & BlackAcidDevil. Danzig began to seem too processed and I still missed the old lineup. As a result, I was apprehensive of 6:66 and gave it a listen beforehand---I was floored. I think it's his best work since How The Gods Kill. Although it still has an industrial edge, Satan's Child has more of a visceral quality than Danzig's last 2 CDs (except for "Bringer of Death" on 4---if that can't make your blood curdle, you're warped). Simply put, Glenn sounds more driven than I've heard him in about 6 years. Plus, he does his version of "13", the song he wrote for the late Roy Orbison....it sounds better coming from Glenn (no offense to Roy). Buy this one....you won't be disappointed. You can also search Danzig's site and pick up the limited edition CD w/ the Martin Emond cover. 4.5 stars