Rob Zombie ‘Venemous Rat Regeneration Vendor’

  Heavy metal music and horror films share a lot of commonalities, one of the biggest being the shock factor. Rock shows have become more theatrical and cinematic in their approach with artists incorporating elaborate stage productions and multi-media to their live sets. Perhaps nobody blends these two genres better than the modern day shock rocker himself, Rob Zombie. As if he isn’t busy enough with his new movie, ‘The Lords of Salem,” about to premiere, Rob is also releasing his fifth solo studio album, “Venemous Rat Regeneration Vendor.”

  Okay, so the title may be quite a mouthful, but I would expect nothing less. The recording of the album was an all in event as Rob’s bandmates spent the better part of eight months in his Connecticut home during the process and it shows. “Venemous” is typical Zombie metal, industrial rock and roll with simple, catchy riffs by guitarist John 5 backed by the tight rhythm section of Piggy D. on bass and Ginger Fish on drums. Kicking things off is “Teenage Nosferatu Pussy” which has a driving beat and a great title to boot. Followed by that is the first single “Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown” which will get plenty of airplay. “Rock and Roll (In a Black Hole)” starts out with a complete dance beat and spoken lyrics before cranking up into full out industrial rock. John 5 really cranks things up on “Lucifer Rising” and “The Girl Who Loved the Monsters” is a perfect Rob Zombie song complete with screams sampled from different horror films. An interesting bonus is a cover of the Grand Funk Railroad hit “We’re An American Band.”

  “Venemous Rat Regeneration Vendor” is a great rock album but what really surprised me is the groove. This record is all about a good time and simply grooves from start to finish. I never thought I would say this about a Rob Zombie album but you’re going to want to dance your ass off!