Rob Zombie - The Lunar Injection Album Review

It’s been 5 years since we last had a overly convoluted album name from Hell’s hillbilly overlord Rob Zombie. 2016’s The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser has now been followed up with 2021’s The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy. Henceforth to be referred to as The Lunar Injection. I cannot be arsed to keep referring back to the album to remember the whole goddamn name!

Ever since Rob Zombie released his first post White Zombie material in 1996, he has had the bewildering ability to sound wildly experimental and completely generic simultaneously. Even writing that down it feels impossible, but somehow he does it. There is no doubting his impact on the groove metal scene throughout the 90s and 00s (as I have previously dug in to). But there has been very little in terms of evolution throughout the past 3 decades.

So before even listening to this album, which clocks in at 17 tracks and 42 minutes, I can presume there is plenty of pumping metal rhythm, movie samples, horror references, and a general sense of weirdness. I wasn’t wrong. There is plenty of short skit and filler tracks between the full songs – leaving only 11 ‘real’ songs. However the execution is going to be key to this album’s success.

So does it work? Yes and no. Not the most helpful answer, but all shall become clear my fair subjects. You see Rob Zombie is a master of execution when it comes to the industrial themed groove riffs, gnarly vocals and enough busyness to keep things interesting. But something else has to be there to keep the flow of the album going. More importantly, making it leave a lasting impact.

Album singles The Eternal Struggles of the Howling Man and Crow Killer Blues have been well chosen as some of the strongest tracks on the album. However the album seems to lose it’s way in the later stages. The Much Talked of Metamorphosis feels like a pointless track. Then The Satanic Rites of Blacula, Shake Your Ass-Smoke Your Grass and Boom-Boom-Boom are all nondescript, and dare I say rather boring.

Guitarist John 5 has never fully flexed his guitar chops through his work with Rob Zombie. For those who know him beyond this he is a phenomenally gifted and creative guitarist. It’s just never called on here when the riffing is generally more straight forward. However, writing a simple catchy riff has never eluded John 5, and there are plenty on offer throughout The Lunar Eclipse as usual.

So where does this all leave the final product? Well I certainly enjoy most of the album listening through it, however it really doesn’t leave a lasting impression. The run of tracks near the end where not much happens unfortunately kills the flow. Take those out and the album would be significantly improved. If you are a loyal Rob Zombie follower, there is enjoyment to be had. If you are a passing fan (or couldn’t give a toss) then there isn’t a huge amount to keep you at the party. Which funnily enough, is kind of exactly what I expected. Is anyone surprised?

Score: 5/10

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