Danzig made a name for himself writing ecstatic songs about blood, mutilation, death and horror — and he’s also penned some excellent power ballads. Without abandoning his major motifs, “Blood and Tears” — from 1990’s Danzig II: Lucifuge — is a full-on throwback to the ‘50s. It’s be great for a slow dance at a prom in hell. (And really, is there any other kind of prom?) Click here to check out a live version from 1991. Get those lighters up!
The first Danzig album, 1988’s eponymous debut, is one of the great rock records of all time. (More on that later.) But plenty of well-informed fans swear by Danzig II. It features the classic lineup of bassist Eerie Von, guitarist John Christ and all-time-great punk drummer Chuck Biscuits. The record plays like a refinement of the group’s debut, with more variety, including ballads, unplugged material and bluesy rockers. —D.X. Ferris
