Rob Zombie Aragon Ballroom Chicago, IL November 22, 2009

Since 1985 Rob Zombie has pioneered the death metal movement, from his band White Zombie to his highly controversial films “House of a 100 Corpses” and “The Devil’s Rejects.” Whatever you think you know about Zombie is irrelevant until you see him perform live. Full of energy and charisma Zombie is, without a doubt, the most confident performer I’ve ever seen.

The moments the lights dimmed the entire venue changed into hell on Earth. Surrounded by video screens playing non-stop B-movie horror films the entire audience became completely enthralled.

Zombie doesn’t just play a song he creates a world around it. For “Living Dead Girl” the monitors ran footage of old zombie films spliced in with the lyrics. With his entire band dressed up as redneck demons Zombie manages to create a surreal, over the top universe that bends at his will.

It should be noted that this concert was not for the squeamish Death metal is exactly that, images of dead or dying were everywhere during the show. For “House of a 1000 Corpses” torture and necrophilia were on full display. Understandably, it’s not for everyone.

Even if you do not subscribe to the death metal genre there is a certain attraction to being seduced by the dark side of rock n’ roll. We all have that wild side we’re afraid to let out, Zombie lets you embrace it. In Zombie’s world vampires, werewolves and demons are all out there, not only that they are inside each of us. I’m not talking the wimpy “Twilight” demons either; I mean the full-fledged pit of hell monsters used to keep you up at night when you were little.

My only problem with the night is that it got a bit old after awhile. Hell is a cool place to visit but I could never set up residence. I’ve been a big Rob Zombie and White Zombie fan for years and the music is fantastic. But after awhile it seems like the theme is basically the same. Had the show been strictly Zombie and not two opening acts I think my opinion may have been slightly different. But almost three hours straight of the same death metal mantra gets a tad bit boring.

I’d wanted to see Zombie play for years and I am glad I did. He’s a truly talented musician with a stage presence unlike any I’ve ever seen. Alice Cooper and Ozzy Osbourne may have paved the way for death metal but Rob Zombie owns it. Zombie brought Hell to Chicago and Chicago loved every minute of it.

Comments

T-Rex Written by Guest on 2009-12-03 09:15:29 I feel you on that It can get old! WZ needs to take a page from Iron Maiden, sometimes less is more, but nothing like over the top theatrics to tease the senses! I will be in touch great piece again!    Rex

Jordan Brandes Written by Guest on 2009-12-03 11:35:35 I'm looking forward to it Rex thanks for your support.

huh? Written by Guest on 2009-12-23 00:21:53 Death matal is a genre....and Zombie is NOT it. And how can you tire of it and then in the next paragraph say you didn't want it to end?

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