Flashback Album Review: Danzig – Lucifuge

The American heavy metal band, Danzig, fronted by former Samhain and Misfits singer Glenn Danzig, released their second studio album Danzig II: Lucifuge, in 1990 with the famous rock producer, Rick Rubin. The album name comes from Latin, and it refers to a demon or entity that flees from the light.

The band was, at that time, Glenn Danzig (vocals), John Christ (guitar), Eerie Von (bass) and Chuck Biscuits (drums).

This was the first CD of them that I got. I loved it immediately, it doesn't have  any bad songs. The band sounds strong and Glenn is like a dark Elvis or Jim Morrison; with a blues-rock low voice, that gives every song a sexy feeling.

The album starts with Long Way Back from Hell, a dark rock & roll. About a seductive being that tempts girls. But if you take that road, it has its price; every action has its consequences. You have to think things through before going down that path, because “it’s a long way back from hell, and you don’t want to go with me.”

Then, Snakes of Christ comes with a great guitar riff. Talks about the lies in religion and how Jesus’s teachings in the Bible were perverted by religious groups. Killer Wolf; I love this song. It’s structured like a sexy blues, basic but engaging. The lyrics paint the same scenario; a lone wolf that incites girls and they can’t resist him. Another blues style track but  with acoustic guitar is I'm the One.

Tired of Being Alive. Being tired of living, of the lies, everything. It has a great guitar solo by John Christ whereas Her Black Wings is about a fallen angel that comes to rescue him.  

Devil's Plaything is a beautiful ballad then it gets heavier. Beware of falling in love, because it can burn your soul. Following the same theme, Blood and Tears is also a ballad. It is a super-known song about a breakup.  

777 is characterized by a slide guitar, which gives a sensation of a Western song. The theme is the same as the whole album; a demon or someone coming to tempt girls to lead them down the wrong path. Girl has the same vibe.

The last song of the album is Pain in the World. Like heavy blues, it's a great track and the darkest song of this album. It refers to an evil entity that brings suffering which is a wonderful way to end this record.

The entire album is amazing. It’s simple rock and roll and blues but topped with Glenn’s dark and enticing voice. The lyrics are suggestive without being explicit. Classic and remarkable album from start to finish.

Rating: 9/10

Release Date: June 26th, 2023

Released By: Def American

FFO: Black Sabbath, Type O Negative, End of Green

Track Listing

1) Long Way Back From Hell

2) Snakes of Christ

3) Killer Wolf

4) Tired of Being Alive

5) I’m the One

6) Her Black Wings

7) Devil’s Plaything

8) 777

9) Blood and Tears

10) Girl

11) Pain in the World