Danzig 5: Blackacidevil

Danzig 5: Blackacidevil is the fifth full-length album from Danzig. It was released in 1996 on Hollywood Records, and was reissued on E-Magine Records in 2000 with three extra tracks and a new album cover by Martin Emond.

The album is a landmark as the first Danzig album recorded after the demise of the “classic” lineup featuring John Christ, Eerie Von, and Chuck Biscuits; only the band’s leader, songwriter/vocalist Glenn Danzig remained, joined by drummer Joey Castillo, who had joined the band late in 1994 after Biscuits’ departure. This was the only Danzig album to feature Joseph Bishara, who has also provided keyboards and programming for 16 Volt. Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains) plays guitar on tracks 3, 7, and 8 (tracks 3, 8, and 9 of the reissue). Aside from these contributions, Danzig himself plays nearly all the instruments on the remainder of the album.

Blackacidevil was widely criticized for its apparent shift from heavy metal to industrial rock, though Danzig himself has repeatedly downplayed such assessments, noting that the album draws on much more than just industrial influences. Some fans consider the change a blatant attempt at making a commercially accessible release, while others consider it a natural progression from the style of Danzig’s earlier project, Samhain. The album was not well received by fans and as of 2007 had sold 124,000 copies.

It is also the first album recorded after Danzig’s departure from producer Rick Rubin’s record label, American Recordings.