For the past decade, rhythmic metallion Rob Zombie's solo material has continued in the tradition of former outfit White Zombie, yet it consistently eludes being pinned as a direct offshoot. From debut affair Hellbilly Deluxe through 2006's Educated Horses, he’s maintained enough of that churning half-tempo groove to stay popular, but injected something unique each time. That's why it seems unusual that after so many years, he would release the “second instalment” of his initial affair.
Hellbilly Deluxe II strives to be a continuation of its predecessor's rough-hewn aggression, nonsensical lyrics and catchy melodies. It works occasionally but it's also confused. Tracks such as “Jesus Frankenstein,” “Sick Bubble-Gum” and “Virgin Witch” have an unusual sense of traipsing old ground without enough tread to stay on the path, while other songs (“Mars Needs Women”) are just rambling bouts of incoherent muck. The album feels like Zombie’s attempt to recapture his past — let's hope this passable but almost forgettable foray into his own history is a one-time deal, and that Zombie gets back to what he does best: looking for something new and surprising.
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