In the 90s, an era where metal was defined by Headbangers Ball, Leather jackets and Beavis & Butthead, White Zombie was one of the driving forces behind the scenes’ success. They hit at just the right time and have enough unique elements to push them into the stratosphere, and even when they disbanded, they left a legacy behind that few others can match.
It makes complete sense then that Rob Zombie would revisit the bands biggest album over 20 years after its original release. For one special night at Riot Fest in 2016, Rob Zombie played the now classic Astro-Creep:2000 in its entirety from front to back. This was a once in a lifetime chance to hear one of the greatest metal albums ever played in full for the first time ever. Obviously, there are cuts from it that Zombie keeps in constant rotation, but this is the moment where we all got to hear those deeper cuts for the one and only time.
Obviously nothing can beat the excitement of witnessing Zombie in the (Rotting) flesh, but you cannot argue with tracks like More Human than Human, Electric Head parts 1& 2, Super Charger Heaven as well as the other gems in I,Zombie, Grease Paint & Monkey Brains, Blood, Milk and Sky. This is an album that is lacking in any fat whatsoever.
I think what makes this release special other than the obvious, is that Rob and the band are firing on all cylinders, which helps bring these already legendary songs come to life in a whole new way and gives them a little extra kick. It’s almost like hearing them for the first time all over again.
The production, like all things Zombie is spot on as always and everything is crisp and pops right out of the speakers making you feel as if you are in the crowd yourself. The only downside to the whole package is that there is no video documentary to go along with it, which is a bit of a bummer but its a minor niggle.
Some people could argue that there is no need to have a live version of an album you already own, but there is something about hearing those songs live in this context that gives them something a little unique and a bit special that cannot be corrected in the studio, so its nice to have both for different experiences. It’s also a nice little extra for the Zombie completists out there.
This serves as a timely reminder not only of the pioneers that White Zombie were, but also that Rob Zombie continues to be, and comes highly recommended for die-hard fans and casual fans alike.
