White Zombie
La Sexorcisto : Devil Music, Vol. 1

THE REVIEW

After their underground beginnings (the first two albums went fairly unnoticed but with some notable elements), the White Zombie of the charismatic leader Rob Cummings (also known as Rob Zombie) broke into the mainstream with their third release "La Sexorcisto: Devil Music Vol 1".

Musically, the rich and original mix offered by White Zombie during their unfortunately short career (and continued in the singer's solo career) sees a moment of transition in this episode. From the initial noise formulas of the early productions (quite challenging for the general public, it must be said), the sound is shaping towards what will be the psycho-industrial rock/metal of the next album (the wonderful Astro-Creep 2000), but it retains strong rock influences, while technological samples from horror films become central.

Being a transitional album certainly does not prevent it from being a cornerstone (and masterpiece) of the '90s. The freshness of the sounds, the originality of the solutions, the captivating voice, and an intensely groovy rhythm section make songs like "Thunder Kiss '65" (a true anthem), "Spiderbaby (Yeah Yeah Yeah)", and the magnificent "Black Sunshine" (featuring Iggy Pop as a guest on the album and in the splendid video) just to name a few.

The album also features interludes focused on the previously mentioned samples, like "Knuckle Duster" (which introduces the syncopated "Thrust!" supported by edgy riffs) or "One Big Crunch". Other truly remarkable tracks include the psychotic groove of the opening track "Welcome to Planet Motherfucker - Psychoholic Slag" and the closing "Warp Asylum", which is heavily influenced by Black Sabbath.

In conclusion, "La Sexorcisto" receives the highest score for the originality of its formula at the time and because, together with the subsequent "Astro-Creep 2000" and the first chapter of his solo career "Hellbilly Deluxe Vol. 1," it represents one of the compositional peaks of this eccentric and skilled American artist (praise also goes to his bandmates).