Danzig Black Laden Crown

2017, Recorded in sessions over three years from 2014 to 2017 , with four different drummers (including former Queens Of The Stone Age drummer Joey Castillo) and produced by Danzig himself, BLACK LADEN CROWN is his first original studio album since 2010's DETH RED SABAOTH. Opening with the title track ,,Black Laden Crown", it seems to drone rather than shout until the 4.30 minute mark when the pace finally picks up. ,,Eyes Ripping Fire" is a solid if unremarkable mid paced burner almost reminiscent of Metallica's ST. ANGER era. This is followed by the album's first single ,,Devil on Hwy 9". A bizarre choice as it may be the weakest track on the album with the mix sounding as if Danzig is singing a hoarse and winded karaoke vocal over a frankly forgettable heavy backing track. ,,Skulls And Daisies" really gets things back on track. With a stomping riff, strong vocals and lyrics, it is one of the best songs on the album. ,,Blackness Falls" takes us back to heavy chugging riffs and karaoke vocal mix.