Danzig

Danzig is an American heavy metal band led by former Samhain and Misfits singer Glenn Danzig. Formed in 1987 in Lodi, New Jersey, the group early on became a unique voice in the rock scene, playing a bluesy, doom-laden metal with Glenn Danzig crooning in the style of Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley. Danzig's openly satanic lyrics and image stirred controversy. After a major hit with a live version of its 1988 song "Mother", the band experimented with industrial music but later returned to heavy metal. As of 2023, Danzig has released 12 studio albums (two consisting entirely of cover versions), two EPs, one live album, and one compilation album. History Beginnings (1986–1987) On July 14, 1986, Samhain performed at The Ritz in New York in what proved to be their final show. In attendance was producer Rick Rubin, who was scouting bands to sign to his record label, Def Jam Recordings. Rubin initially expressed interest in signing only Glenn Danzig, intending to make him vocalist for a hard rock supergroup that Rubin envisioned. However, Danzig refused to sign unless Samhain's bassist Eerie Von was also signed. In 1987, Rubin added John Christ on guitar and Chuck Biscuits (ex-Black Flag) on drums. To reflect the change in musical direction and avoid having to start anew after future lineup changes, Glenn, on Rubin's advice, changed the name of Samhain to his surname, Danzig. The first release from the band, minus Eerie Von, was the song "You And Me (Less than Zero)" from the Less than Zero soundtrack and credited as Glenn Danzig & The Power and Fury Orchestra. "Classic" era (1988–1993) In 1988, Danzig released its self-titled debut album on Def American (later renamed to American Recordings). The band toured worldwide in support of the album throughout 1988 and 1989; they opened for Slayer on their South of Heaven tour in North America and Metallica on their ...And Justice for All tour in Europe, and subsequently headlined their own tour, which included support from bands such as Murphy's Law, Mudhoney, Accept, Armored Saint, Circus of Power, White Zombie, Sick of It All and Carnivore. Danzig is the band's best-selling album, having been certified gold in the U.S. in 1994, and eventually going platinum.