Serpent Girl and Songs to Shed the Skin by The Vladimirs

make Danzig look like a novicebradd wrote on June 08, 2007

For many years now The Vladimirs have been not only my favorite horror related group, but bands in general. Their songs range from tongue in cheek morbid tales (i.e. "Cannibal Campout") to the unthinkable atrocities that would leave even the strongest man broken and bloody (i.e. "Obscene Act of Passion") to straight up fun and campy horror songs (i.e. "Sheila is a Vampire") and in doing so have found themselves nestled deep within my heart. Their combination of punk and metal (even some speed metal at times) and the forever haunting and cataclysmic vocals of Marquis Thomas leaves the Vladimirs in a category all their own. Those of you who celebrate the band's entire discography will notice that SERPENT GIRL & SONGS TO SHED THE SKIN have some similarities between the band's self- titled debut album and their SO FINE CONCUBINE E.P.- you know, those tongue in cheek songs that put a sinister smile on your face along with the crooning and wailing whoas that make Danzig look like a novice. SERPENT GIRL & SONGS TO SHED THE SKIN not only brings out the early sound of The Vlads that so many fans love, but also brings out a different direction in general (see "The Place Where No One Cares"). Another interesting and very important fact about this album is the Vlads' new drummer Eric Tuffendsam makes his first appearance. However if you're a big fan of Ash's work (as I am), you can rejoice as Ash performs the drums on the first five tracks and Eric the last five. I will be cruel no longer! I know the anticipation is building up inside of you, so let's get to the album! By now, I'm sure many Vlads fans have heard the opening track "Serpent Girl" either on the band's MySpace page or on the second installment of the Blood and Guts Records horror compilation. This song is an octane laced punk rock track that mows you down with no remorse! This is hard for me to say, but I think "Death of the Party" just might be my favorite song here. With a ton of whoas and violent and vivid lyrics that paint a bloody picture of killing those mother fuckers that used to make fun of you in school and went out of their way to make your life a living hell, you will have your revenge…you will make them pay! "Has Been That Never Was" is a song that makes me think. I couldn't stop thinking about who this song was written about. If you listen to the song, you'll be just as inquisitive. Tied with "Death of the Party" is the hilarious "She's Been Worshipping the Devil". It opens with Crypt Keeper Five-ish guitar and speaks of a love story about knowing a girl back in school and how she's changed her persona and now worships the devil. Talk about some tongue in cheek humor! Great fuckin' song. "Let's Scare Jessica to Death" is probably the first song that I would consider dark in atmosphere and is a genuine Vladimirs song. It sounds like it could have been found on the NIGHT GALLERY album. Showing a new sound is "The Place Where No One Cares" and "Nobody No More". 'Place' is styled after The Dropkick Murphys and is a song for us blue collar guys who never get what we want or deserve because we're just a number and for all our troubles we get nothing but minimum wage and a "hole in the floor". 'Nobody' is minimally dark and almost poppy. I think it's supposed to by sarcastic when one compares the music and lyrics. And if you think that's all, you're sadly mistaken my friends. The Vlads save two of their longest songs (not just on the album but overall) and they're stunning. "Old Black Sunday" turned my blood into an inferno of hate but I felt as if I was trapped under ice and was unable to do anything about it. Some parts of the song gave me a "I Saw You at the Drive-In" vibe. This has got to be one of the most beautiful songs from the band I've ever heard. "Pictures of Suzy" is rather disturbing. It almost sounds like the lyrics are being read from a journal entry of a murderer. The majority of the song is Marquis and a guitar with some effects in the background. It must be heard to be believed. The Vladimirs are one of those bands that never have a bad song. This album further stresses that point and after a spin or two in your CD player, you'll be forced to concur. SERPENT GIRL left me with a handful of new favorites and are songs that will forever hail as king of tongue in cheek horror greatness! Reviewed by TJ @ BlackAngelPromotions

Review this album and get 1 Karma Point