Customer Reviews

Circle of Snakes

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(12)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

Like most of you, I purchased Circle of Snakes the day it came out, and like most of you, I rushed right home to listen to it. The cover was different, and looked more like a Black Metal album cover, and the contents therein were a mix of the usual Danzig imagery and the artwork of some newer BM releases. So I was intrigued - but my first spin through the disk was a disappointment. I didn't let this deter me, because I have a habit of being disappointed with the first listens of the last few albums, but over time, have learned to like each one (though I'll admit I still have some issues with 5.). The same here. I left it alone all day, and checked it out later that night, and...

The album is heavy, no doubt helped out by Tommy Victor, and sometimes, as others have mentioned, Glenn's vocals are lost in the maelstrom. I noticed others have stated that John Christ's guitar played suited him but, but remember the Samhain albums, and several of the Misfits albums (Earth A.D.) were mixed the same way. I think the main problem is the absence of Rick Rubin, who seemed to know Glenn's vocal strengths well. Think, we went from Samhain to You and Me from the Less Than Zero soundtrack - did you ever hear Glenn's voice as powerful as that. Since Danzig's split with American, the voice has never sounded the same. Glenn does tend to sing more here than on the last couple, but his voice isn't nearly as strong. Most likely that's just age catching up.

I don't consider this as good as 1-4, and right now, maybe not as good as 7, which I enjoyed alot of the Misfits-like wo-oh's. Circle of Snakes definitely brings back an older style of song structurings, and the vocal melodies are reminiscent of 1-4, but the guitars are as heavy as can be. I like the album and I think it will copntinue to grow on me.

First off, artists tend to re-cycle things. Danzig has yoked two other songs out of Twist of Cain's mold. First on Lucifuge he had "Snakes of Christ" with the same bluesy descending type of riff with the auto-harmonics tweaked in for effect, and now the title song for his new album. But, that isn't necessarily a bad thing. After all, the chorus riff from Killer Wolf had been around (albeit in a different key) since All Murder All Guts All Fun.

That is generally the tone of this album. Danzig claims it doesn't have a theme, but the theme seems to be an updated nostalgia. Not that all the songs sound like things he has done before, just a general feel. There is something from almost every stage of his songwriting career.

At different points while listening to this, I felt a twinge of Samhain, or a little bit of Misfits - not really the song structure or the sound, but a general feel. Skull Forrest, done with a more punky delivery could have been a Misfits song for it's message. It's like the collection has grown since "Skulls" and now there's a whole forrest of them. In style and feel certain songs have an almost elegiac tone to them (Netherbound, When We Were Dead)

I only have two complaints with this cd. Some of the lyrics seem a bit "bottom of the barrell". "I want to creepy-crawl across your town" and "Come down and lay in the danger"....and then the "Blackrock, spirals down this reptile highway..." = Honestly, if any other singer besides Danzig was delivering some of these lines, I wouldn't be able to tolerate it too long. My other complaint is the length of this cd, but that complaint rides for most of his stuff. Danzig 1 only had ten tracks, and Lucifuge only had 11...I guess I was a bit spoiled by I Luciferi's track count.

All the songs are well put together, and Glenn's voice sounds alot stronger then it has for a while. Hellmask stands out for me, because I've wanted a song like that for a while. Something with riffs you would expect to hear a some stereotypical metal grunting and growling over, but instead getting to hear Danzig going all out. The whispered part in the middle is one of my favorite parts of the whole disc.

Bottom line, not once was I really dissapointed with this CD. Personally this one has a higher replay value for me then 6 or 7 because the main draw for me is Danzig's voice, which sounds so much better here. Yes, it reminds me of some of his older stuff in places but there is more then enough "new" here. Buy it, and unless you absolutely hate the way Danzig sings, or you hate heavy guitar rock/metal you'll get more then your money's worth out of it.

Danzig has been trying to step up his career for some time now and it's rather dissapointing to see him keep half-cobbling records such as "Circle of Snakes" together. Tommy Victor does manage to add a new sound to the band and works well on some numbers, but his nu-metal guitar tone leaves Danzig feeling stiff and cold (and not in a good way). Danzig's vocals sound tired and monotone, the drum production rocks but sounds TOO good compared to the rest of the instruments and the overall mix sounds like an extremely good (but less than excellent) independant production from a man who used to give us some of the most expertly produced albums this side of hell. This shows life in some key sectors, but also shows that Danzig has no shame in half-assing things to get them out on the market. This record has it's moments, but often falls FAR short of the legend that is Danzig and this seems so much worse when compared to many of the amazing records coming out around it.

Despite my strong opinion that this album is weak compared to the mans legendary back catalog, it doesn't mean that it's entirely devoid of value. "Black Angel, White Angel" may be one of the catchiest songs the man has ever done, "Hellmask" shows Danzig hammering through with a certain speed-metal vibe we've never heard before and "1,000 Devils Reign" has a certain old-school vibe. Other tracks such as "Circle of Snakes" have interesting moments/riffs but don't gell as well as the above mentioned numbers. Danzig still has some great songs in him, he just needs to be careful about the old "filler" problem that seems to be plagueing him as of late.

Danzig needs to take some time off, develop a REAL band and find a producer that can bring the best out of his vocals and his music. "Hellmask" and "Black Angel, White Angel" show that he can still get the job done...but he NEEDS to focus his energies on making entire albums that are strong and not the three-hit wonders he's been shoving to the market as of late. The man still has his strengths...but his weaknesses as a producer (and executive producer) are glaring on this record and this makes it less than stellar in a way that is rather disconcerting and poses the big question "is Danzig just too old to keep up".

Time will tell...

Danzig has done it again. I am a huge huge fan and have been since the begining, and this album is amazing. Since blackacidevil, the tone has changed a bit...Satan's Child was great and again was different, then Danzig 7 was again brilliant, but changing still. Then comes Circle of Snakes and wow this disk blew me away. This is the best album since 4 easily. The whole disc is mind blowing, not a bad track...great crunch on guitar and Glenn is back to the great vocals we all love! My personal fav is Hellmask and the haunting sound of Black angel white angel! Buy this!!

yes, this is the best danzig album since 4. the album from begining to end is amazing, and the best song is the last"black angel, white angle. yes the verse vocal on skin carver is too low, but the song is amazing! as the album goes on the songs are more intense. these are the darkest danzig lyrics ever. i have been a fan since the first album and i love them all, 4 has stood out the most over the years, but i have been listening to this album from beginning to end since it came out and i still can't take it out of my cd player. like every band, the old fans will never get what they want, they always have something negitive to say because they want the band to just write the same album, danzig does not do that. this album is amazing and don't nit pick it apart,you will lose out on the experiance.

This is a very Decent album, its not his best, but it still rocks and is worth listening to a lot, It pretty much has the same feel as 7 (I Luciferi), which is good, as a long time Danzig fan (as well as Misfits & Samhain) I am happy with the direction Danzig has gone on "7" and "Circle of Snakes", I was not a fan of "Blackacidevil" or "Satans Child", though each of those albums had its share of great songs, personally I prefer 1-4, but I know he cant keep making the same record over and over again so its gotta change somehow, and the style hes got now (and with 7) is great, it reminds me of Samhains "Final Decent".

I've only listened to it 2 times so far but right now the songs "1000 devils reign", "Hellmask", "When we were dead", and "Black angel, White Angel" really stand out for me.
"Black Angel, White Angel" sounds like classic Danzig and is probably the best on the album,
there were no songs that I didn't like, some were better than others, The Lyrics are FINE, despite what others say. and I read some people saying that the pictures in the booklet were stupid, well to me there is nothing wrong with half-naked chicks, especially on a Danzig album.

The only thing I have a problem with is some of the production and mixing, on one hand its great because its raw, and unpolished, but on the other hand theres too much bass in the mix, when I crank it up the lows just rumble a little too much and take away from the songs, like some of the double-bass parts of the drums and especially the guitar solos could use some more definition, or just be clearer, they kind of get lost in the mix, and the vocals on "Hellmask" sound like they could have been mixed better. BUT those aren't that big of a deal, the album still rocks.

If you like 7, you will definetly like this one, take it from a real Danzig fan, don't listen to the people who say "1-3 are the only good albums", those are the same people that say 4 is techno, when anybody who's ever heard 4 could tell you that its not one bit techno. don't listen to them. this is a good album and any fan of Danzig will not be disapointed.

Let me clear this up immediately: Danzig will never top "III: How The Gods Kill". The mere notion that ANYONE thinks that this is possible is propping themselves up to be let down hard. Though I've owned every Danzig album ever released and have enjoyed them all; sans Blackacidevil, to varying degrees, I'm content knowing that Danzig III is Glenn's "Abbey Road". All I ask from Danzig is to just be Danzig and since the release of "Satans Child", I haven't had to do much asking. Even though I admire Glenn for standing by "Blackacidevil", the album was a complete mess but, in many ways, it is his ability to not back down from anyone or anything that has endeared me to him and his music for the past 16 years.

Unlike many artists, even when Danzig is at his most experimental and unorthodox, it is completely obvious who is behind the music you are hearing. Any of Glenn's true fans know the trials of getting the music to the people who follow his near 30-year career which; to me, makes it all that much more satisfying to hear his anger resonate through the speakers. From "Blackacidevil", Danzig has weened off of the electronics that encompassed that album. "Satans Child" was a healthy blend of more modern, compressed guitar tones with some of the bluesier riffing and the electronics took a supporting role. With album 7 and in a more pronounced fashion on his latest "Circle Of Snakes, Danzig has stripped all of the electronics out of the mix for a full-on guitar assault with hints of hautning keyboard accompaniments.

One of the aspects that the listener will notice almost immediately is the much heavier and darker guitar tone on "Circle Of Snakes". The production is much more raw and though I've heard of complaints on the vocals being too low in the mix, it really only presents a problem on the second song "Skin Carver". Some of the tracks have feeling that can only be mustered in Danzig's first 4 recordings and his vocals are much improved over "I Luciferi". To his credit, I will list each track individually to further enhance the overall color that "Circle Of Snakes" bears.

1. Wotans Procession - Basically, this is an instrumental track with some keyboard interludes and haunting moans behind the sinister riff. Nice opener.

2. Skin Carver - Despite the vocals not being mixed high enough for my liking, this song crushes. It is one of the heaviest Danzig songs to date without trying to stray from the sound captured on his past few releases.

3. Circle Of Snakes - Though much heavier, it has a more up-tempo rhythm that's similar to his earlier albums. Catchy, memorable chorus.

4. 1000 Devils Reign - Again, another one of the songs where the music becomes secondary. Glenn's voice carries the music throughout this one.

5. Skull Forest - A pretty moody track with great atmosphere. This whole track is fronted by Glenn's more eery and Morrison-esque vocal tone.

6. HellMask - Another fast one. It kind of gets lost in amidst the more interesting tracks on either side of it but holds it's own with the massive chorus.

7. When We Were Dead - One of my favorites. I find Danzig at his best when he lets his haunting voice take over.

8. Night, BeSodom - Vocally, a good mix of his singing and more gruff vocals. Musically, this is a more up-tempo song that balances well with the more brooding and crushing tracks.

9. My Darkness - Has a pounding rhythm that holds up well enough. Glenn's lyrics are a little bit lacking here though.

10. Netherbound - Another early favorite, combining a crushing riff with interesting vocal subtlties.

11. Black Angel, White Angel - If I had to pick an absolute favorite, this song is the clear winner. Everything hear is the closest to classic Danzig as you can get without the help of John Christ, Chuck Biscuits and Eerie Von. Best album closer since Danzig II.

I'll admit that I am biased. I am clearly willing to give Glenn Danzig multiple chances that are reserved for those artists like Slayer and Iron Maiden that have done more to change my life than anyone else. Bias notwithstanding, "Circle Of Snakes" is my favorite Danzig album since "VI".

First off I dont usually write reviews but I am so tired of hearing review after review saying "Danzigs newer records (5-8) dont sound the same as 1-4".Danzig tries very hard to keep things fresh for his fans as well as himself and all they do is wine because he dont live in the past.If you people want an artist/band who releases the same record over and over and over and over..go buy an AC/DC record!(not that theres anything wrong with AC/DC)--If Danzig were to have kept his records sounding the same as 1-4 then everyone would be saying "why dont he try something new?"I really dont think muscians on a whole can win (not just Danzig)If they do the same stuff then people say they aint got no ideas left and they need to try something new and if they do try something new then they have people saying that they either sold out or they just aint no good no more as people are saying here with Danzig.So basically Im saying if you have an open mind and like to here some new ideas and styles of music with each record go with Danzig and if you like the same stuff over and over give AC/DC a try and stay clear of Danzig.

Danzig has been a little..... off...... since Blackacidevil. Granted Danzig 6 and beyond were solid efforts. But Circle Of Snakes is his best effort in a looooong time. I credit it to the arival of one of my favorite axe men in Tommy Victor. Tommy's band Prong broke new ground in the early 90's, and was one of my favorites (Beg to Differ was a classic album). Tommy melds Prong-style riffs with the classic Danig sound pioneered by John Christ. The result is a great album.

Danzig is back.

Circle of Snakes is simply amazing. Definitely one of Danzig's best of his entire career. I love the atmosphere in this album - very dark, and some songs have a somber and eerie feel - there's still the traditional heavy riffs of course. My favorite tracks are Netherbound, and Black Angel, White Angel.