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Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Tonight! Tonight in Music: Danzig

Posted by Morgan Troper on Tue, Nov 16, 2010 at 12:06 PM

DANZIG, POSSESSED, MARDUK, TOXIC HOLOCAUST, WITHERED

(Roseland, 8 NW 6th) In most circles, Possessed are considered the pioneers of death metal. Their 1985 release Seven Churches features thrash metal with a really bad attitude and growling vocals that influenced countless bands that later defined the genre. The only original member currently performing in the band is singer Jeff Becerra, who reformed Possessed in 2007. Becerra was paralyzed from the waist down after he was shot during a mugging in 1989, so he delivers his vocals from a wheelchair. His perseverance shows that you don't need to have a towering presence onstage to front a band. I guess Danzig proves that as well, but unfortunately not with his current effort. Deth Red Sabaoth has been hailed as a return to form for metal's favorite crooner. I would be inclined to agree, if it wasn't for the rhythmic "squealing" guitars that sound more like alarm clocks, the vacant and abysmal production, and Danzig's vocals generally low in the mix so you can't hear him strain. Maybe his mesh shirt was too tight during the recording sessions? ARIS WALES

You can check out the complete show listings here.