Blackacidevil
Encyclopedia
Danzig 5: Blackacidevil is the fifth full-length album from Danzig
. It was released in 1996 on Hollywood Records
, and was reissued on E-Magine Records
in 2000 with three extra tracks.
's record label, American Recordings. It is also the first album recorded after the demise of the "classic" lineup featuring John Christ
, Eerie Von
, and Chuck Biscuits
. Only the band's leader Glenn Danzig
remained, joined by drummer Joey Castillo
, who had joined the band late in 1994 after Biscuits' departure, and bassist Josh Lazie. Guitarist Tommy Victor
joined the band shortly after Blackacidevil's completion.
. Glenn Danzig explained: “I wanted to do something that nobody else was really doing. So I took an element of industrial that I liked here, and an element of techno there, then mixed it with what I normally do. I took the best elements of stuff. They're powerful when used properly. Then, I'd still experiment with different directions, which I wanted to do anyway, and then watch what happened when I mixed it together.” On several tracks Danzig applied distortion effects to his vocals.
Jerry Cantrell
of Alice in Chains
plays guitar on the tracks "See All You Were", "Hand of Doom" and "Come to Silver". This was the first Danzig album to feature Joey Castillo and Josh Lazie, and the only album to feature contributions by Mark Chaussee
and Joseph Bishara. Glenn Danzig plays all the instruments on the remainder of the album.
"Hand of Doom" is a cover of the Black Sabbath
song, with new lyrics and musical arrangements by Danzig.
Glenn Danzig had originally written "Come to Silver" for Johnny Cash
, although it was never recorded by him due to Danzig's split from American Recordings. The song addresses the evils of the almighty dollar
.
"Sacrifice" was the album's first single. According to Glenn Danzig, the song is about “sacrificing yourself throughout your life. It's about giving a little more than you should be giving. It's not about ritual sacrifice...it's more about killing yourself, little by little.” Several different versions of the song, remixed by J. G. Thirlwell
, appear on the 1996 Sacrifice EP, along with remixes of "Serpentia" and "Deep".
The song "Deep", which had been released earlier that year on The X-Files television soundtrack
, was set to be featured on the album. However, because of Danzig's 1996 departure from American Recordings, the song could not be included. Another version of the same song titled "Deeper", with additional guitar by Tommy Victor, was recorded for the unreleased Bleedangel EP, and included as one of three bonus tracks on the 2000 Blackacidevil reissue. "Bleedangel" was recorded as the title track for the unreleased EP, whereas "Don't Be Afraid" was recorded during the original Blackacidevil sessions.
had the phrase "Black Acid Devil" printed on them.
. The re-released version of the album features a new cover by Martin Emond
.
DVD.
Besides the changes in musical direction, Blackacidevils original release caused more controversy: Danzig's violent music and use of Satanic imagery conflicted with the corporate image projected by Disney, the parent company of Danzig's new record label, Hollywood Records
. Tower Records
' Pulse Magazine created a mock radio advertisement and a cartoon drawing spoofing this odd relationship. The cartoon featured Glenn Danzig shaking hands with Disney CEO Michael Eisner
at the entrance to "Danzigland" (instead of Disneyland). The two are surrounded by skulls, children wearing "666" T-shirts and a horned and fanged Mickey Mouse
. As a result of the controversy, the label pulled support for the album and the record deal was severed. Blackacidevil was the only Danzig release on the Hollywood Records label.
All songs written by Glenn Danzig, except "Hand of Doom" by Black Sabbath.
Danzig (band)
Danzig is an American heavy metal band, formed in 1987 in Lodi, New Jersey. The band serves as a musical outlet for the singer/songwriter Glenn Danzig. Danzig can be seen as the third stage in Glenn Danzig's musical career, preceded by the horror punk bands The Misfits and Samhain...
. It was released in 1996 on Hollywood Records
Hollywood Records
Hollywood Records is an American record label owned by Disney Music Group, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company.-History:Hollywood Records was founded in 1989 by then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner with the idea of expanding the music operations of the company and to develop and promote...
, and was reissued on E-Magine Records
E-Magine Records
E-Magine Records is an independent record label specializing in electronica, pop music, and dance music. It has been in existence since early 2000. It is owned by Christoph Rücker....
in 2000 with three extra tracks.
Background
The album is the first recorded by Danzig after its departure from producer Rick RubinRick Rubin
Frederick Jay "Rick" Rubin is an American record producer and the co-president of Columbia Records. Along with Russell Simmons, Rubin was the co-founder of Def Jam Records and also established American Recordings...
's record label, American Recordings. It is also the first album recorded after the demise of the "classic" lineup featuring John Christ
John Christ
John Christ, born John Wolfgang Knoll on , is a musician best known as the original guitarist for the metal band Danzig. He has been known for his bluesy metal sound and frequent use of the pinch harmonic...
, Eerie Von
Eerie Von
Eerie Von, born Eric Stellman on is a musician best known as the original bassist for the metal band Danzig. Eerie Von's preferred bass is the Fender Jazz.-Early life:...
, and Chuck Biscuits
Chuck Biscuits
Chuck Biscuits is a Canadian-born drummer, now a U.S. citizen, who is best known as an original member of the heavy metal/hard rock band Danzig. Most recently, he was a member of the punk rock band Social Distortion in the late 1990s...
. Only the band's leader Glenn Danzig
Glenn Danzig
Glenn Danzig Glenn Danzig Glenn Danzig (born Glenn Allen Anzalone; June 23, 1955 is an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, entrepreneur, and a progenitor of the horror punk subgenre of music. He is a founder of bands the Misfits, Samhain, and Danzig...
remained, joined by drummer Joey Castillo
Joey Castillo
Joseph Willam "Joey" Castillo is an American drummer currently playing with Queens of the Stone Age and Eagles of Death Metal...
, who had joined the band late in 1994 after Biscuits' departure, and bassist Josh Lazie. Guitarist Tommy Victor
Tommy Victor
Tommy Victor is the lead singer and guitarist for the crossover thrash/industrial metal band Prong that he founded in New York in 1986. In the late 1980s Victor worked as a soundman at CBGB's. After the release of Rude Awakening in 1996, Prong disbanded and Victor moved to Los Angeles. Since then...
joined the band shortly after Blackacidevil's completion.
Music and recording
On Blackacidevil, the band's sound shifted from doomy and gothic heavy metal to experimental industrial rockIndustrial rock
Industrial rock is a musical genre that fuses industrial music and specific rock subgenres. Industrial rock spawned industrial metal, with which it is often confused...
. Glenn Danzig explained: “I wanted to do something that nobody else was really doing. So I took an element of industrial that I liked here, and an element of techno there, then mixed it with what I normally do. I took the best elements of stuff. They're powerful when used properly. Then, I'd still experiment with different directions, which I wanted to do anyway, and then watch what happened when I mixed it together.” On several tracks Danzig applied distortion effects to his vocals.
Jerry Cantrell
Jerry Cantrell
Jerry Fulton Cantrell Jr. is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known for his work with the grunge/metal band Alice in Chains, as lead guitarist, backing and co-lead vocalist, and co-lyricist. He performs lead vocals on his solo projects, and is part of Alice in Chains' harmonizing...
of Alice in Chains
Alice in Chains
Alice in Chains is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1987 by guitarist and songwriter Jerry Cantrell and original lead vocalist Layne Staley. The initial lineup was rounded out by drummer Sean Kinney, and bassist Mike Starr...
plays guitar on the tracks "See All You Were", "Hand of Doom" and "Come to Silver". This was the first Danzig album to feature Joey Castillo and Josh Lazie, and the only album to feature contributions by Mark Chaussee
Mark Chaussee
Mark Chaussee is an American guitarist born inMinneapolis, Minnesota and an adherent of heavy metal and hard rock. Played guitar in The Coup De Grace, Fight, Danzig, Jimmy Coup, and Marilyn Manson.-World of Hurt:...
and Joseph Bishara. Glenn Danzig plays all the instruments on the remainder of the album.
"Hand of Doom" is a cover of the Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath are an English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler , and Bill Ward . The band has since experienced multiple line-up changes, with Tony Iommi the only constant presence in the band through the years. A total of 22...
song, with new lyrics and musical arrangements by Danzig.
Glenn Danzig had originally written "Come to Silver" for Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash
John R. "Johnny" Cash was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and author, who has been called one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century...
, although it was never recorded by him due to Danzig's split from American Recordings. The song addresses the evils of the almighty dollar
Almighty dollar
Almighty dollar is an idiom often used to satirize an obsession for material wealth .The beginning of the realisation that wealth can engender quasi-religious respect has been attributed to British writer Ben Johnson, who wrote in 1616:The "dollar" version of the phrase is commonly attributed to...
.
"Sacrifice" was the album's first single. According to Glenn Danzig, the song is about “sacrificing yourself throughout your life. It's about giving a little more than you should be giving. It's not about ritual sacrifice...it's more about killing yourself, little by little.” Several different versions of the song, remixed by J. G. Thirlwell
J. G. Thirlwell
James George Thirlwell , aka Clint Ruin, aka Frank Want, aka Foetus, is an Australian vocalist, composer and record producer...
, appear on the 1996 Sacrifice EP, along with remixes of "Serpentia" and "Deep".
The song "Deep", which had been released earlier that year on The X-Files television soundtrack
Songs in the Key of X
Songs in the Key of X: Music from and Inspired by The X-Files is a 1996 compilation album released in association with the American science fiction television series The X-Files. The album contained a mixture of songs that were either featured in the series, or shared thematic elements with it....
, was set to be featured on the album. However, because of Danzig's 1996 departure from American Recordings, the song could not be included. Another version of the same song titled "Deeper", with additional guitar by Tommy Victor, was recorded for the unreleased Bleedangel EP, and included as one of three bonus tracks on the 2000 Blackacidevil reissue. "Bleedangel" was recorded as the title track for the unreleased EP, whereas "Don't Be Afraid" was recorded during the original Blackacidevil sessions.
Album title
Danzig has not publicly explained the meaning of the album's title. Various theories have been advanced, including it being a play on the phrase "black as a devil", with the words "black acid devil" (or black acid evil) run together in a portmanteau. Tickets for Danzig's Halloween 1996 special $6.66 show at Detroit's State TheaterThe Fillmore Detroit
The Fillmore Detroit is a mixed-use entertainment venue operated by Live Nation. The Detroit Music Awards are held annually at The Fillmore Detroit in April. Built in 1925, the Fillmore Detroit was known for most of its history as the State Theatre, and prior to that as the Palms Theatre...
had the phrase "Black Acid Devil" printed on them.
Artwork and packaging
The liner notes feature artwork by Joseph CulticeJoseph Cultice
Joseph Cultice began his photography career in Phoenix, Arizona, where he was inspired by his love of rock'n roll and pop icons like KISS and David Bowie. He moved to New York City in 1990....
. The re-released version of the album features a new cover by Martin Emond
Martin Emond
Martin Emond , also known under the pseudonyms "Martin Fuckin Emond", "Martyfuck", "Martywood", "Mickey Martin" and "MFE", was a New Zealand cartoon illustrator and painter....
.
Music videos
Music videos were released for the songs "Sacrifice" and "Serpentia". All music videos from the album are featured on Danzig's Il Demonio NeraIl Demonio Nera
Il Demonio Nera is the title of the second DVD released by Glenn Danzig's band Danzig...
DVD.
Reception and controversy
Blackacidevil was widely criticized for its apparent shift in musical direction. The album was not well received by most critics and as of 2007 had sold 124,000 copies.Besides the changes in musical direction, Blackacidevils original release caused more controversy: Danzig's violent music and use of Satanic imagery conflicted with the corporate image projected by Disney, the parent company of Danzig's new record label, Hollywood Records
Hollywood Records
Hollywood Records is an American record label owned by Disney Music Group, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company.-History:Hollywood Records was founded in 1989 by then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner with the idea of expanding the music operations of the company and to develop and promote...
. Tower Records
Tower Records
Tower Records was a retail music chain that was based in Sacramento, California. It currently exists as an international franchise and an online music store....
' Pulse Magazine created a mock radio advertisement and a cartoon drawing spoofing this odd relationship. The cartoon featured Glenn Danzig shaking hands with Disney CEO Michael Eisner
Michael Eisner
Michael Dammann Eisner is an American businessman. He was the chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company from 1984 until 2005.-Early life:...
at the entrance to "Danzigland" (instead of Disneyland). The two are surrounded by skulls, children wearing "666" T-shirts and a horned and fanged Mickey Mouse
Mickey Mouse
Mickey Mouse is a cartoon character created in 1928 by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks at The Walt Disney Studio. Mickey is an anthropomorphic black mouse and typically wears red shorts, large yellow shoes, and white gloves...
. As a result of the controversy, the label pulled support for the album and the record deal was severed. Blackacidevil was the only Danzig release on the Hollywood Records label.
1996 original version
- "7th House" - 3:48
- "Blackacidevil" - 4:25
- "See All You Were" - 5:03
- "Sacrifice" - 4:29
- "Hint of Her Blood" - 5:03
- "Serpentia" - 6:41
- "Come to Silver" - 4:01
- "Hand of Doom" - 2:53
- "Power of Darkness" - 3:20
- "Ashes" - 5:28
2000 reissue version
- "7th House" - 3:48
- "Blackacidevil" - 4:24
- "See All You Were" - 5:02
- "Sacrifice" - 4:28
- "Hint of Her Blood" - 5:02
- "Deeper" - 4:15
- Previously unreleased version of "Deep" from Songs in the Key of XSongs in the Key of XSongs in the Key of X: Music from and Inspired by The X-Files is a 1996 compilation album released in association with the American science fiction television series The X-Files. The album contained a mixture of songs that were either featured in the series, or shared thematic elements with it....
.
- Previously unreleased version of "Deep" from Songs in the Key of X
- "Serpentia" - 6:40
- "Come to Silver" - 4:00
- "Hand of Doom" - 2:52
- "Bleedangel" - 4:13
- Previously unreleased.
- "Power of Darkness" - 3:20
- "Ashes" - 5:31
- "Don't Be Afraid" - 4:25
- Originally released as B-side of "Sacrifice".
- Tracks 6, 10, and 13 are bonus tracks.
All songs written by Glenn Danzig, except "Hand of Doom" by Black Sabbath.
Personnel
- Glenn DanzigGlenn DanzigGlenn Danzig Glenn Danzig Glenn Danzig (born Glenn Allen Anzalone; June 23, 1955 is an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, entrepreneur, and a progenitor of the horror punk subgenre of music. He is a founder of bands the Misfits, Samhain, and Danzig...
- VocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
, BassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, GuitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
s, KeyboardsKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments... - Joey CastilloJoey CastilloJoseph Willam "Joey" Castillo is an American drummer currently playing with Queens of the Stone Age and Eagles of Death Metal...
- DrumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person .... - Joseph Bishara - KeyboardsKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
, Programming - Jerry CantrellJerry CantrellJerry Fulton Cantrell Jr. is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known for his work with the grunge/metal band Alice in Chains, as lead guitarist, backing and co-lead vocalist, and co-lyricist. He performs lead vocals on his solo projects, and is part of Alice in Chains' harmonizing...
- GuitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
s (on "See All You Were", "Come To Silver", & "Hand Of Doom") - Mark ChausseeMark ChausseeMark Chaussee is an American guitarist born inMinneapolis, Minnesota and an adherent of heavy metal and hard rock. Played guitar in The Coup De Grace, Fight, Danzig, Jimmy Coup, and Marilyn Manson.-World of Hurt:...
- GuitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
s (on "Sacrifice", "Serpentia") - Josh Lazie - BassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(on "Sacrifice")
Charts
| Chart (1996) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Swedish Albums Chart | 49 |