Although dubbed as a sequel to his 1998 solo debut, Rob Zombie's Hellbilly Deluxe 2 is not quite in the same vein yet very Zombie. You get the slinky grooves, B-movie samples, goofy lyrics, and lots of "yeahs" and "baby"s. But that is not meant as a bad thing. The Zombie mix that has been so successful for him for years continues with this latest release. While the album's predecessor was more industrial in its metal, this effort tones down the robotic drumbeats and instead replaces them with just insanely hard hitting drums (including a 4 minute long solo during the 10 minute long closer "The Man Who Laughs"). This album is closer to White Zombie's La Sexorcisto more so than anything Zombie has done in his solo career. Hellbilly Deluxe 2 plays more like a heavy metal album than a noise rock or industrial metal release. Surprises are even thrown in such as the aforementioned drum solo (the track also possesses a great orchestral aspect thanks to Zombie film collaborator/composer Tyler Bates), southern rock guitar slides, acoustic intros, and nimble-fingered metal guitar solos. But does all this mean that Rob has fallen back on old tricks to drum up new success? Not at all. He's just an artist that is comfortable in taking risks when needed (come on, 4 minute long drum solo!) and sticking with what works (because the name wouldn't be as known today if it didn't work in the past, right?). And although, Deluxe 2 won't be Rob's most memorable feat, it is a great, groovy release from a true auteur.
3.9/5.0
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