White Zombie - La Sexorcisto-Devil Music Vol. 1

The title of White Zombie's first mainstream success promises some good, trashy fun, and boy does this album deliver. White Zombie is not a nihilistic, the-world-is-rotten heavy metal band; on the contrary, one doubts that they're in danger of taking anything too seriously, and the humor is audible in every riff. La Sexorcisto is rife with distorted guitars, snippets of dialogue from horror movies, and songs about fast cars ("Black Sunshine"), loose women ("Grindhouse (A-Go-Go)"), and the generally weird. Don't think about it too hard; sit back, relax, pop a cool one and crank up the stereo until it shakes your ceiling. -- Genevieve Williams Amazon.com

Don't think too hard on this one

White Zombie's 1992 album, "La Sexorcisto-Devil Music Vol. 1" was the group's first mainstream breakthrough. It introduced Rob Zombie to the world of metal, and it also (more-or-less)created a new kind of industrial metal. White Zombie mixed punk with thrash and industrial metal, and the numerous R-rated movie clips helped to add cartoonish/tongue-in-cheek overtones to the music. But "La Sexorcisto" is dragged down by very shoddy production, and music which is nothing special or complex. The downtuned guitar riffs are churning and syncopated, the vocals are deep, the drumming is simple and workman-like. Plus, most of the songs only have one riff (which is repeated for four minutes), so some tracks (like "Warp Asylum") become really quite boring. Fortunately, however, if you don't think too hard about the musicianship or songwriting, the songs become dang catchy and rather enjoyable. The two examples of this are the first track, which is backed by a strong guitar lead, and the very addictive and hooky hit single, "Thunder Kiss '65." Other highlights include the blistering, pounding fifth track ("Soul-Crusher"), the creepy "Thrust!," and the speedy, running guitar riffs and catchy, stop-start rhythm on "Grindhouse (A Go-Go)." All in all, If you have a craving for a fun, tongue-in-cheek album that rocks really hard and is sure to get your head banging, "La Sexorcisto" is definitely a worthwhile listen, but be aware of its flaws. April 26, 2008

Best Zombie By Far

If you like Rob Zombie or at least are interested in the least this is the best of the bunch by far. Another reviewer said Thunderkiss was one of the only good songs on this CD? No way. I am Legend is KILLER and there are plenty of good songs on this CD. No real dudes here at all.

I've owned Astro Creep and 2 other Zombies and none come remotely close to this one. Great CD for a Zombie CD. February 8, 2008

3.5 stars

I've never really known how to categorize White Zombie, except to say that I find them innovative and interesting to listen to. Killer grooves abound, and that's what makes this so good. It's metal...but not the blues-less metal you normally find, and there's no doubt that Rob Zombie is an enormous talent. This particular album might be a bit under-produced. The sound could use thickening, and I think the band knew this as well, as they achieve a much fuller sound (which has nothing to do with their playing) on their next album. February 7, 2008

An old favorite

I'm glad to see this one back on the shelves. It shipped really fast, too. November 10, 2007

Zombie's Finest Hour

Many, MANY people say that Astro Creep is a better album. Other's will tell you that Rob's solo stuff is better than this. Well, I just don't get it. On this album every element is firing on all cylinders. The riffs are killer, especially on songs like "Thrust!" and "I Am Legend". The drumming is SO much better here than on Astro Creep. See "Cosmic Monsters Inc." or Soul Crusher" (which by the way has a wicked, wicked riff as well).

The groove is just all around better on this album. I'm not taking anything away from Astro Creep, I dig that too. Good riffs, good drums there, but it just doesn't have the feel that La Sexorcisto does. Astro Creep is heavier, yes. But it lacks the flow that you find here. The drums, bass, the guitar of J. and Rob's voice all gel so perfectly here it is hard to top. An absolute must own metal/industrial classic. September 18, 2007

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