Most people think of Danzig has hardcore, metal, horror punk, and a million other things. What a lot of people might not realize though is the hidden genius that escapes from Glenn Danzig. Back in 1993, Glenn wrote a modern classical instrument piece entitled Black Aria. A very far leap sound wise from his typical work, Aria tackled the story of Lucifer from John Milton's epic Paradise Lost. For those of you unfamiliar with that, it's the story of Lucifer's rebellion against God and the eventual battle between the rebel angels led by Lucifer and the holy angels led by God. In the end, Lucifer is cast out of heaven and never allowed to return. There's lots of wonderfully eerie tales that come after this, it was even the subject of 2004's Exorcist: The Beginning.Throughout many interviews in the 90's, Glenn often spoke of the follow up to Aria, however many years past with no release. Thankfully, and ironically since this year sported the date 06/06/06, Black Aria II has come to fruition and we are again graced with another masterpiece. Like Black Aria, its sequel again deals with the biblical stories not often spoken of. Aria II is also known as Lilith, Whore of the Desert and tells the story of Adam's "first wife". If you want to know more about this, just visit Wikipedia.
As far as the album is concerned every song and instrument are right on. While some people might feel odd listening to a classical CD that has plenty of wierd and demonic sounding chants in the background, I urge you to take Black Aria II for a spin. Some of the tracks would be perfect for any horror movie in the typical creepy walking in the dark scene. But then again, this CD would be perfect to play and march around in a graveyard and scare people.
Tracks like "Overture: Winged Night Demon", "Bridal Ceremony of the Lilitu", "Lamenta Lilith", and "Demons Reprise" all feel deeply cinematic. As well, several of the tracks sound as if they could be included as hymns not only for the Church of Satan, but even in a typical Catholic church. Aria II is a beautifully crafted, spooky, masterpiece from Glenn. It's hard to say if Danzig fans will like it, except for the hardcore lovers of anything Glenn Danzig touches, but try it out. It's the perfect soundtrack to any haunted evening, or for playing video games like Diablo. Do yourself a favor; dress in all black, put on a clock, pour a goblet full of red wine, light some candles and bask yourself in something different.
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