Having been absent from the recording scene for at least four years, Rob Zombie returns with “The Great Satan”, his eighth studio album. The new release clearly recalls the era of “Hellbilly Deluxe”, although this time it features a rougher and more raw production, with the guitars sounding less processed. The return of Riggs and Blasko undoubtedly played an important role in this direction, bringing back a more old-school sound filled with heavy, aggressive industrial riffs. Spanning around 38 minutes and 15 tracks, “The Great Satan” is an unstoppable machine that takes us on a journey through B-movies and horror nostalgia, while taking aim at the puritanism and conservatism of America. Compared to his previous albums, there is one notable difference here that cannot be overlooked: tracks such as the opening “Welcome To The Electric Age” and “F.T.W. 84” (an obvious reference to Orwell’s “1984”) explore themes of mass control, the numbing effect of screens and the loss of human identity in today’s digital world. The album cover features Rob Zombie himself, surrounded by the recognizable cult and horror aesthetic that he has maintained throughout his career. Although the album does not completely avoid some repetitive moments, its overall length and the band’s tight chemistry make it one of Zombie’s most remarkable releases in years. It is a triumphant celebration of B-movie aesthetics, designed to be played at full volume. A necessary addition to Rob Zombie’s discography, “The Great Satan” fully justifies the four-year wait.
♦ 8,5/10
Frost and Fire
