Jump to content

Samhain (band): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Odinson777 (talk | contribs)
178 edits
m added photo
Susrage (talk | contribs)
387 edits
→Timeline: Just one more for good measure
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit Advanced mobile edit
 
(454 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist 2
{{Short description|American rock band}}
|Name = Samhain
{{about|the band||Samhain (disambiguation)}}
|Img = Samhain_Group.JPG
{{Infobox musical artist
|Img_capt = Promotional shot of Samhain, ca. 1986
|name = Samhain
|Background = group_or_band
|image_upright = 1.2
|Origin =
|caption = Glenn Danzig in 2011
|Instruments = [[Guitar]], [[Vocals]], [[Bass guitar|Bass]], [[Drumkit|Drums]]
|origin = United States
|Genre = [[Horrorpunk]]
|image = Danzig Getaway Rock Festival 2011.jpg
|Years_active = [[1983]]&ndash;[[1987]] <small>(changed their name to [[Danzig (band)|Danzig]])</small><br> <small>(Reunions: 1999)</small>
|genre = {{Flatlist|*[[Death rock]]
|Label = [[Plan 9]], [[Caroline Records (U.S.)|Caroline Records]]
*[[horror punk]]
|URL =
*{{nowrap|[[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]]}}
|Current_members =
*[[gothic rock]]
|Past_members =
<!-- all sourced in the "style" section -->
}}
|years_active = 1983–1987 <small>(changed their name to [[Danzig (band)|Danzig]]) (partial reunions: 1999, 2011, 2012, 2014)</small>
|label = {{Hlist|[[Plan 9 Records|Plan 9]]|[[Caroline Records (U.S.)|Caroline]]}}
|spinoffs = [[Danzig (band)|Danzig]], [[Son of Sam (band)|Son of Sam]]
|spinoff_of = [[Misfits (band)|Misfits]]
|website =
|current_members =
|past_members = <!--Do not change. Members are listed in the order indicated by Wikipedia guidelines.-->[[Glenn Danzig]]<br />[[Steve Zing]]<br />[[Eerie Von]]<br />Pete "Damien" Marshall<br />London May<br />[[John Christ]]<br />[[Brian Baker (musician)|Brian Baker]]<br />[[Lyle Preslar]]
}}
}}
{{dablink|This article is about the horror punk band. For other meanings, see [[Samhain (disambiguation)]]}}


'''Samhain''' was a [[horror punk]] band formed by [[Glenn Danzig]] in [[1983]] as [[The Misfits]] were in major turmoil and close to disbanding. Danzig originally planned Samhain as a side project, but after the demise of The Misfits in October of 1983, it became his full-time band. Samhain is the lesser known of Glenn Danzig's musical outlets and catalogs the transitional period of his musical career, bridging the gap between the punk thrashing of The Misfits, and the dark, [[heavy metal (music)|heavy metal]] sound of [[Danzig (band)|Danzig]].
'''Samhain''' was an American <!--Lead section, as per WIKI:MOS, is supposed to aim for generality. Specific subgenre and style are to follow afterward-->[[Rock music|rock]] band formed by singer [[Glenn Danzig]] in 1983, immediately following his departure from [[The Misfits (band)|The Misfits]]. Glenn Danzig originally planned Samhain as a side project with [[Eerie Von]].<ref name="blankmaninc">{{cite web|url=http://www.blankmaninc.com/eerie-von-interview|title=Eerie Von Interview – BLANKMANinc|date=October 15, 2012|access-date=September 15, 2016}}</ref> After the Misfits' contentious 1983 dissolution, Samhain became Danzig's full-time band.


Samhain catalogs a transitional period in Glenn Danzig's musical career, bridging the gap between the [[punk rock]]/[[horror punk]] of the Misfits and the dark, [[heavy metal (music)|heavy metal]]- and [[blues]]-influenced sound of [[Danzig (band)|Danzig]]. Samhain's lyrics were much darker than those of the Misfits, with themes rooted in [[paganism]] and the [[occult]] and eventually the horrors of reality, as opposed to the sometimes cartoonish ghouls and ghosts of the Misfits.<ref name="PennyBlood">{{cite web|url=http://www.pennyblood.com/danzig.html|title=Glenn Danzig – Horror Business|last=Cipollini|first=Christian|publisher=Penny Blood|access-date=April 16, 2010}}</ref>
Danzig took the name of the band from [[Samhain]], the ancient Celtic New Year, which influenced the modern [[Halloween]]. Samhain is pronounced "sow-win" (which is the pronunciation that Danzig uses in songs), although the band name is often pronounced "Sam-Hane" for the sake of simplicity. Both Samhain and its successor [[Danzig (band)|Danzig]] use the same horned skull image (originally from the cover of the 1984 comic book ''Crystar Crystal Warrior'' #8, published by [[Marvel Comics]]). [[image:Crystar, Crystal Warrior 8.jpg|thumb|Crystar Crystal Warrior #8 (July 1984)]]


Both Samhain and its successor, Danzig, use the same horned skull image originally drawn by artist [[Michael Golden (comics)|Michael Golden]] for the cover of the 1984 comic book ''[[The Saga of Crystar]]'' No.&nbsp;8, published by [[Marvel Comics]]. The font often used in the wordmarks of Samhain, and later Danzig, is taken from the film ''[[The Giant Gila Monster]]''. Danzig took the name of the band from the Irish month of November and pre-Christian, Celtic festival [[Samhain]], the origin of the modern [[Halloween]]. Despite the festival being pronounced "sau-win", the band's name is often pronounced as "sam-hane". Glenn Danzig has said that both pronunciations are correct.<ref name="Vanyaland">{{cite web |url=https://vanyaland.com/2015/10/15/interview-glenn-danzig-talks-covers-album-elvis-and-his-legacy-ahead-of-rock-and-shock-appearance/ |title=Interview: Glenn Danzig talks Elvis, his covers album, and his legacy ahead of Rock and Shock appearance |last=Christopher |first=Michael |date=October 15, 2015 |website=Vanyaland |access-date=July 24, 2024 }}</ref>
Samhain was much darker than the Misfits, with lyrics rooted in the [[occult]] and eventually the horrors of reality, as opposed to the sometimes cartoonish ghouls and ghosts of the Misfits. Samhain's musical style was a dark, gritty, and experimental combination of [[punk rock|punk]], [[gothic rock]], and on the last album, [[heavy metal (music)|heavy metal]].


Samhain released two full-length albums and one [[Extended play|EP]] during their three year career as an active band. Some criticized their first album for being merely the Misfits slowed down, but Samhain demonstrated noticeably superior musicianship{{Fact|date=April 2007}}. However, as their career progressed, they evolved into their own unique style of [[lo-fi music|lo-fi]] [[gothic metal#gothic doom|gothic-doom]] and gained a cult following that surpassed the modest fanbase The Misfits had while they were active{{Fact|date=April 2007}}.
Samhain released two full-length albums and one [[Extended play|EP]] during their three-year career as an active band. Danzig has said that he wrote two songs ("Death Comes Ripping" and "Bloodfeast") with the intention of using them on the first Samhain album, but instead recorded them with the Misfits for the ''[[Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood]]'' album in order to round out that band's final series of recordings and release a full album.<ref name="PennyBlood" />


== History ==
As a footnote, Danzig has said that he wrote the songs "Bloodfeast" and "Death Comes Ripping" with the intention of using them on the first Samhain album, but instead recorded them with the Misfits for the ''[[Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood]]'' album in order to round out that band's final series of recordings and release a full album.
=== Original run (1983–1990) ===
Samhain's debut album, ''[[Initium]]'', was released on lead singer [[Glenn Danzig]]'s independent record label, [[Plan 9 (record label)|Plan 9]], in August 1984. In various interviews Danzig states that the album's title, which translates from Latin to English as "beginning", represents his new start after disbanding his prior band, [[Misfits (band)|The Misfits]], in 1983. Most of the final track, "Archangel", was actually recorded in March 1981, and was originally meant to either be a Misfits song featuring [[Dave Vanian]] (who never did vocals for the song) or a track for the band [[The Damned (band)|The Damned]]. The track "[[Horror Business|Horror Biz]]" likewise dates to Danzig's Misfits era, as it is a new version of "Horror Business" with different musical arrangements. The album was recorded at Reel Platinum studio in Lodi, New Jersey, excluding the introduction which was recorded at Eerie Von's home on a four track cassette.<ref name="Forced Exposure">{{cite web|url=http://misfitscentral.com/display.php?t=sarticle&f=forced.84|title=Samhain Interview|author=Byron Coley and Jimmy Johnson|date=October 27, 1984|publisher=Forced Exposure|access-date=October 3, 2009}}</ref>


In 1985, Samhain released their only EP, ''[[Unholy Passion]]''. That next year, they released their second studio album titled ''[[Samhain III: November-Coming-Fire]]''. The album contains a re-recorded version of the Misfits' "[[Halloween II (song)|Halloween II]]". [[AllMusic]] wrote that the album "continues to be an influence for both punk and [[thrash metal|thrash]] bands".<ref name="AllMusic">{{cite web|title= Samhain: November-Coming-Fire |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/november-coming-fire-mw0000271998|publisher=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref> The track "Mother of Mercy" was featured in the 2009 video game ''[[Guitar Hero: Metallica]]''. [[Metallica]] co-founder James Hetfield lists ''November-Coming-Fire'' as one of his top ten albums of all time.
== Live shows ==
A Samhain show was an energetic and unpredictable event. Sometimes Danzig could be seen donning a bizarre demon-shaped leather [[Slave and Master|S&M]] mask and occasionally he and his bandmates went onstage covered in mock blood.


In 1986, Samhain was signed by [[Rick Rubin]] to his [[Def Jam Recordings]] label. Rubin at first wished only to sign Danzig. He had hoped to assemble a "super-group" with the talented vocalist at the center, but Danzig refused and also refused to agree to the record deal unless bassist [[Eerie Von]] could remain in the group.<ref>{{cite web|last=Blush|first=Steven |author-link=Steven Blush |date=1997|title=Glenn Danzig|url=http://misfitscentral.com/display.php?t=marticle&f=seconds.97|work=[[Seconds (magazine)|Seconds]]|access-date=October 24, 2012}}</ref> Rubin and Danzig agreed, however, that the band's sound should be taken in a different direction, and so guitarist Damien Marshall was replaced by [[John Christ]]. Sometime in 1987, Danzig decided to change the name of Samhain to match his surname, Danzig, a move that would prevent him from ever again having to start anew, regardless of lineup changes. When London May was replaced with [[Chuck Biscuits]] on drums, Samhain officially ceased to exist, and the first Danzig lineup was complete,<ref name="2014reunion" /> which then prompted the band to sign to [[Def American Recordings]] in 1988.
== Name change ==
In [[1986]], Samhain was signed by [[Rick Rubin]] to his [[Def Jam]] label. Rubin at first wished only to sign Danzig. He hoped to assemble a "super-group" with the talented vocalist at the center, but Danzig refused to agree to the deal unless bassist Eerie Von could remain in the new group. Rubin and Danzig agreed, however, that the band's sound should be taken in a different direction, and so guitarist Damien was replaced by [[John Christ]]. Sometime in [[1987]], Danzig decided to change the name of Samhain to match his surname, [[Danzig (band)|Danzig]], a move that would prevent him from ever again having to start anew, regardless of lineup changes. By the time drummer [[London May]] was replaced with [[Chuck Biscuits]], Samhain officially ceased to exist, and the first Danzig lineup was complete.


In 1990, Samhain's final album, ''[[Final Descent (album)|Final Descent]]'', was released. Material for the album was completed in stages from 1986 to 1990, with one song ("Death... in its Arms") recorded by the band Danzig, including drummer [[Chuck Biscuits]] (who had never been a member of Samhain) during the sessions for ''[[Danzig II: Lucifuge]]''. On all other tracks, a drum machine was used. As much of the material for ''Final Descent'' was intended for a planned ''Samhain Grim'' album, its sound and songwriting bridges the gap between 1986's ''[[November-Coming-Fire|November Coming Fire]]'' and 1988's ''[[Danzig (album)|Danzig]]''. In its first pressings, ''Final Descent'' also featured new remixed versions of the then out-of-print ''[[Unholy Passion]]'' EP. Possibly to avoid potential legal disputes with former guitarist Damien Marshall, Danzig had [[overdubbing|overdubbed]]/re-recorded all of the original guitar tracks with his own guitar playing. He also created a new track, a remix of the bass and vocal tracks from "I Am Misery", entitled "Misery Tomb".
== Late album ==
In 1990, Samhain's final album, ''[[Final Descent]]'', was released. Material for the album was completed in stages from 1986 to 1990, with one song ("Death...In Its Arms") recorded by the band [[Danzig (band)|Danzig]], including drummer Chuck Biscuits (who had never been a member of Sanhain) during the sessions for ''[[Danzig II: Lucifuge]]''. On all other tracks, a drum machine was used. As much of the material for ''Final Descent'' was intended for a planned ''Samhain Grim'' album, its sound and songwriting bridges the gap between 1986's ''November Coming Fire'' and 1988's ''[[Danzig (album)|Danzig]]''. In its first pressings, ''Final Descent'' also featured new remixed versions of the then out-of-print ''Unholy Passion'' EP. Possibly to avoid potential legal disputes with former guitarist Damien, Danzig had overdubbed/re-recorded all of the original guitar tracks with his own guitar playing. He also created a new track, a remix of the bass and vocal tracks from "I Am Misery", entitled "Misery Tomb".


When the Samhain [[Box Set (Samhain)|Box Set]] was released in 2000, these remixes were given a CD of their own, taking the place of the original ''Unholy Passion'' EP, while the backend of ''Final Descent'' was filled out with four unreleased ''Samhain Grim'' era tracks, all featuring London May on drums. Among these were earlier, more abrasive arrangements of the eventual Danzig classics "Twist of Cain" and "Possession", a cover of [[Elvis Presley]]'s "Trouble" (later re-recorded for the Danzig EP''[[Thrall: Demonsweatlive]]''), and a faster version of "Lords of the Left Hand".
When the [[Box Set (Samhain album)|Samhain box set]] was released in 2000, these remixes were given a CD of their own, taking the place of the original ''[[Unholy Passion]]'' EP, while the backend of ''Final Descent'' was filled out with four unreleased ''Samhain Grim'' era tracks, all featuring London May on drums. Among these were earlier, more abrasive arrangements of the eventual Danzig classics "Twist of Cain" and "Possession", a cover of [[Elvis Presley]]'s "[[Trouble (Elvis Presley song)|Trouble]]" (later re-recorded for the 1993 Danzig EP ''[[Thrall-Demonsweatlive]]''), and a faster version of "Lords of the Left Hand".


=== Reunions (1999–2014) ===
== Reunion ==
Samhain briefly reunited in [[1999]] to celebrate the release of the [[Box Set (Samhain)|Box Set]]. They went on one national tour with the band Danzig headlining. The lineup consisted of Danzig, Zing, May, and then [[Danzig (band)|Danzig]] guitarist Todd Youth. Damien was initially asked to play guitar, but couldn't due to already being on tour with [[Iggy Pop]]. In interviews Danzig said that co-founder Eerie Von was not asked to participate due to him slandering other former members of the band. Danzig has since stated that the band will not tour again.
The band briefly reunited in November 1999 to celebrate the release of the [[Box Set (Samhain album)|Samhain box set]]. They went on one national tour with the band Danzig headlining. The lineup consisted of Danzig, Zing, May, and then Danzig guitarist [[Todd Youth]]. Marshall was initially asked to play guitar, but couldn't as he was already on tour with [[Iggy Pop]].

Samhain would reunite again in October 2011 and 2012 as part of a series of shows called the Danzig Legacy performances. The shows consisted of a set from Danzig, Samhain, and a set of Misfits songs with [[Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein]]. Both London May and Steve Zing were part of this reunion.

Samhain reunited for the fourth time to play [[Riot Fest]] in September 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2014/05/13/riot-fest-breaks-out-in-toronto-chicago-denver-in-september/9062525/|title=Riot Fest breaks out in Toronto, Chicago and Denver|website=[[USA Today]]|access-date=September 15, 2016}}</ref> At that show, they played their debut album ''[[Initium]]'' in its entirety.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-janes-addiction-samhain-the-offspring-to-perform-entire-albums-at-chicagos-riot-fest/|title=SLAYER, JANE'S ADDICTION, SAMHAIN, THE OFFSPRING To Perform Entire Albums At Chicago's RIOT FEST|newspaper=Blabbermouth.net |date=May 15, 2014|access-date=September 15, 2016}}</ref> The band also played a series of West Coast and East Coast shows from September to November.<ref name="2014reunion">{{cite web|url=http://www.punknews.org/article/55389/samhain-announces-more-dates|title=Samhain announces more dates|last=Gentile|first=John|publisher=Punknews.org|date=July 17, 2010|access-date=July 19, 2014}}</ref> Peter Adams of the bands Baroness and Valkyrie handled guitar duties.

Another partial reunion took place in 2011 on the ''Danzig Legacy'' television special during a set of Samhain songs; "Samhain", and "To Walk the Night". The lineup remained the same with London May and Steve Zing sharing bass and drum duties, and with [[Tommy Victor]] playing guitar.

== Style ==
Samhain has been classified as [[death rock]],<ref name=Loudwire>{{cite web | url=https://loudwire.com/rock-metal-bands-not-on-spotify/ | title=11 Rock + Metal Bands You Won't Find on Spotify | website=[[Loudwire]] | date=February 2022 }}</ref> [[horror punk]],<ref>{{cite book |last1=Rettman |first1=Tony |title=Straight Edge A Clear-Headed Hardcore Punk History |date=14 November 2017}}</ref> [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]],<ref name=Torreano>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/final-descent-mw0000312799 |title=Samhain – Final Descent review |last=Torreano |first=Bradley |work=[[AllMusic]]|accessdate=2022-10-24 }}</ref> and [[gothic rock]],<ref name=Torreano/> among others. Their style was described by [[AllMusic]] as a fusion of [[punk rock|punk]] and heavy metal with elements of "goth".<ref name=Torreano>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/final-descent-mw0000312799 |title=Samhain – Final Descent review |last=Torreano |first=Bradley |work=[[AllMusic]]|accessdate=2022-10-24 }}</ref>

Sometimes, Glenn Danzig could be seen donning a horned leather [[Master/slave (BDSM)|S&M]] mask, and occasionally he and his bandmates went onstage covered in faux blood.<ref name="Samhain Live 85-86">{{cite video|title=Samhain Live 85-86|date=September 5, 2000|medium=Videotape|publisher=E-Magine Records}}</ref> Danzig would play guitar on live performances of the song "Archangel", while the regular guitarist strapped on a bass guitar to perform a second bassline.<ref name="Forced Exposure" />


== Members ==
== Members ==
*[[Glenn Danzig]]: Founding member. Vocals/guitar/keyboards/drums, also sole songwriter and lyricist. Also a member of [[Danzig (band)|Danzig]].
*[[Glenn Danzig]] – vocals, guitar, keyboards, drums {{small|(1983–1987, 1999, 2011–2012, 2014)}}
*[[Eerie Von]] – bass {{small|(1983–1987)}}, drums {{small|(1983)}}
*[[Brian Baker (musician)|Brian Baker]] Founding member, formerly of [[Minor Threat]]. Played only in rehearsals, but was meant to be a permanent member. Left because he didn't feel his playing was cohesive with the other members.
*London May – drums {{small|(1985–1987, 1999, 2011–2012, 2014)}}, bass {{small|(1999, 2011–2012, 2014)}}
*[[Lyle Preslar]]: Founding member, formerly of [[Minor Threat]]. Guitar on four tracks on ''[[Initium]]'' only. Scheduling problems and an early difference of opinion over musical direction led to his non-involvement in the band.
*Pete "Damien" Marshall – guitar {{small|(1984–1986)}}
*[[Al Pike]]: Played bass on ''[[Initium]]'''s "Archangel".
*[[Steve Zing]] – drums {{small|(1983–1985, 1999, 2011–2012, 2014)}}, bass {{small|(1999, 2011–2012, 2014)}}
*[[Steve Zing]]: Founding member. Drums on ''[[Initium]]'' and ''[[Unholy Passion]]'', also held Drum and Bass duties for the 1999 tour.
*[[John Christ]] – guitar {{small|(1987)}}
*[[Eerie Von]]: Bass, backing vocals. Also a member of [[Danzig (band)|Danzig]].
*[[Brian Baker (musician)|Brian Baker]] – bass <small>(1983)</small><ref>{{cite book |last1=Rettman |first1=Tony |title=Straight Edge A Clear-Headed Hardcore Punk History |date=November 14, 2017}}</ref>
*[[Pete "Damien" Marshall]]: Guitar on ''[[Unholy Passion]]'' and ''[[November-Coming-Fire]]''.
*[[Lyle Preslar]] – guitar <small>(1983)</small><ref>{{cite web |title=MINOR THREAT Reunion Is 'A Non-Story,' Says Bassist BRIAN BAKER |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/minor-threat-reunion-is-a-non-story-says-bassist-brian-baker/ |website=[[Blabbermouth]] |date=November 17, 2018 |access-date=October 31, 2019}}</ref>
*[[London May]]: Drums on ''[[November-Coming-Fire]]'' and held drum and bass duties for the 1999 tour.
*[[Todd Youth]]: Guitar on the 1999 tour only, also played on the related [[Son of Sam (band)|Son of Sam]] side project with [[Davey Havok]], [[Steve Zing]] and [[London May]].
*[[John Christ]]: Guitar on side one of ''[[Final Descent]]'' and the mostly unreleased ''[[Samhain Grim]]'' sessions. Also played in [[Danzig (band)|Danzig]].
*[[Chuck Biscuits]]: Never actually a member of Samhain, although he played drums on "Death...In Its Arms" from ''[[Final Descent]]''. Also a member of [[Danzig (band)|Danzig]].


=== Touring musicians ===
==Discography==
*[[Todd Youth]] – guitar {{small|(1999; died 2018)}}
*''[[Initium]]'' ([[1984]])
*[[Tommy Victor]] – guitar {{small|(2011–2012, 2014)}}
*''[[Unholy Passion EP]]'' ([[1985]])
*[[Valkyrie (band)|Peter Adams]] – guitar {{small|(2014)}}
*''[[November-Coming-Fire]]'' ([[1986]])
*''[[Final Descent]]'' ([[1990]])
*''[[Box Set (Samhain)|Box Set]]'' ([[2000]])
*''[[Samhain Live '85-'86]]'' ([[2002]])


=== Session musicians ===
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1983]]
*[[Al Pike]] – bass {{small|(1983)}}
[[Category:American musical groups]]
*[[Lyle Preslar]] – guitar {{small|(1984)}}
[[Category:American punk rock groups]]
*[[Chuck Biscuits]] – drums {{small|(1990)}}
[[Category:Later punk groups]]
[[Category:hardcore punk groups]]
[[Category:death rock]]


=== Timeline ===
[[de:Samhain (Band)]]
{{#tag:timeline|
[[fi:Samhain]]
ImageSize = width:900 height:auto barincrement:20
[[fr:Samhain_(groupe)]]
PlotArea = left:90 bottom:110 top:5 right:10
[[sv:Samhain (musikgrupp)]]
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Period = from:1983 till:11/01/2014
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4
ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1983
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1983

Colors =
id:lvocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals,_keyboards
id:guitar value:green legend:Guitar
id:bass value:blue legend:Bass
id:drums value:orange legend:Drums
id:studio value:black legend:Studio_album
id:other value:gray(0.7) legend:Other_releases
id:bars value:gray(0.95)

BackgroundColors = bars:bars

LineData =
layer:back
color:studio
at:08/15/1984
at:02/11/1986
at:10/31/1990
color:other
at:01/05/1985
at:09/01/2000


BarData =
bar:Glenn text:Glenn Danzig
bar:Lyle text:Lyle Presler
bar:Pete text:Pete Marshall
bar:John text:John Christ
bar:Todd text:Todd Youth
bar:Tommy text:Tommy Victor
bar:Peter text:Peter Adams
bar:Brian text:Brian Baker
bar:Eerie text:Eerie Von
bar:Steve text:Steve Zing
bar:London text:London May

PlotData =
width:13 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
color:lvocals
bar:Glenn from:start till: 03/01/1987
bar:Glenn from:11/01/1999 till:05/06/2000
bar:Glenn from:10/07/2011 till:06/09/2012
bar:Glenn from:09/13/2014 till:11/01/2014

color:guitar
bar:Glenn from:start till:03/01/1987 width:3
bar:Lyle from:start till:12/31/1983
bar:Pete from:09/01/1984 till:01/05/1987
bar:John from:01/05/1987 till:03/01/1987
bar:Todd from:11/01/1999 till:05/06/2000
bar:Tommy from:10/07/2011 till:06/09/2012
bar:Tommy from:09/13/2014 till:11/01/2014
bar:Peter from:09/13/2014 till:11/01/2014

color:bass
bar:Brian from:start till:12/31/1983
bar:Eerie from:12/31/1983 till:03/01/1987
bar:Steve from:11/01/1999 till:05/06/2000
bar:Steve from:10/07/2011 till:06/09/2012
bar:Steve from:09/13/2014 till:11/01/2014
bar:London from:11/01/1999 till:05/06/2000 width:3
bar:London from:10/07/2011 till:06/09/2012 width:3
bar:London from:09/13/2014 till:11/01/2014 width:3

color:drums
bar:Eerie from:start till:12/31/1983
bar:Steve from:12/31/1983 till:01/31/1985
bar:Steve from:11/01/1999 till:05/06/2000 width:3
bar:Steve from:10/07/2011 till:06/09/2012 width:3
bar:Steve from:09/13/2014 till:11/01/2014 width:3
bar:London from:01/31/1985 till:03/01/1987
bar:London from:11/01/1999 till:05/06/2000
bar:London from:10/07/2011 till:06/09/2012
bar:London from:09/13/2014 till:11/01/2014
}}

== Discography ==
;Studio albums
*''[[Initium]]'' (1984)
*''[[Samhain III: November-Coming-Fire]]'' (1986)
*''[[Final Descent (album)|Final Descent]]'' (1990)

;EPs
*''[[Unholy Passion]]'' (1985)

;Compilation albums
*''[[Box Set (Samhain)|Box Set]]'' (2000)

; Live albums
*''[[Samhain Live '85–'86]]'' (2001)

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*{{allmusic}}
*{{discogs artist}}

{{Samhain}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Samhain}}
[[Category:American death rock groups]]
[[Category:American gothic rock groups]]
[[Category:American punk rock groups]]
[[Category:American heavy metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1983]]
[[Category:Musical groups from New Jersey]]

Latest revision as of 19:21, 6 January 2025

This article is about the band. For other uses, see Samhain (disambiguation).
Samhain
Glenn Danzig in 2011
Glenn Danzig in 2011
Background information
OriginUnited States
Genres
Years active1983–1987 (changed their name to Danzig) (partial reunions: 1999, 2011, 2012, 2014)
Labels
SpinoffsDanzig, Son of Sam
Spinoff ofMisfits
Past membersGlenn Danzig
Steve Zing
Eerie Von
Pete "Damien" Marshall
London May
John Christ
Brian Baker
Lyle Preslar

Samhain was an American rock band formed by singer Glenn Danzig in 1983, immediately following his departure from The Misfits. Glenn Danzig originally planned Samhain as a side project with Eerie Von.[1] After the Misfits' contentious 1983 dissolution, Samhain became Danzig's full-time band.

Samhain catalogs a transitional period in Glenn Danzig's musical career, bridging the gap between the punk rock/horror punk of the Misfits and the dark, heavy metal- and blues-influenced sound of Danzig. Samhain's lyrics were much darker than those of the Misfits, with themes rooted in paganism and the occult and eventually the horrors of reality, as opposed to the sometimes cartoonish ghouls and ghosts of the Misfits.[2]

Both Samhain and its successor, Danzig, use the same horned skull image originally drawn by artist Michael Golden for the cover of the 1984 comic book The Saga of Crystar No. 8, published by Marvel Comics. The font often used in the wordmarks of Samhain, and later Danzig, is taken from the film The Giant Gila Monster. Danzig took the name of the band from the Irish month of November and pre-Christian, Celtic festival Samhain, the origin of the modern Halloween. Despite the festival being pronounced "sau-win", the band's name is often pronounced as "sam-hane". Glenn Danzig has said that both pronunciations are correct.[3]

Samhain released two full-length albums and one EP during their three-year career as an active band. Danzig has said that he wrote two songs ("Death Comes Ripping" and "Bloodfeast") with the intention of using them on the first Samhain album, but instead recorded them with the Misfits for the Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood album in order to round out that band's final series of recordings and release a full album.[2]

History

[edit]

Original run (1983–1990)

[edit]

Samhain's debut album, Initium, was released on lead singer Glenn Danzig's independent record label, Plan 9, in August 1984. In various interviews Danzig states that the album's title, which translates from Latin to English as "beginning", represents his new start after disbanding his prior band, The Misfits, in 1983. Most of the final track, "Archangel", was actually recorded in March 1981, and was originally meant to either be a Misfits song featuring Dave Vanian (who never did vocals for the song) or a track for the band The Damned. The track "Horror Biz" likewise dates to Danzig's Misfits era, as it is a new version of "Horror Business" with different musical arrangements. The album was recorded at Reel Platinum studio in Lodi, New Jersey, excluding the introduction which was recorded at Eerie Von's home on a four track cassette.[4]

In 1985, Samhain released their only EP, Unholy Passion. That next year, they released their second studio album titled Samhain III: November-Coming-Fire. The album contains a re-recorded version of the Misfits' "Halloween II". AllMusic wrote that the album "continues to be an influence for both punk and thrash bands".[5] The track "Mother of Mercy" was featured in the 2009 video game Guitar Hero: Metallica. Metallica co-founder James Hetfield lists November-Coming-Fire as one of his top ten albums of all time.

In 1986, Samhain was signed by Rick Rubin to his Def Jam Recordings label. Rubin at first wished only to sign Danzig. He had hoped to assemble a "super-group" with the talented vocalist at the center, but Danzig refused and also refused to agree to the record deal unless bassist Eerie Von could remain in the group.[6] Rubin and Danzig agreed, however, that the band's sound should be taken in a different direction, and so guitarist Damien Marshall was replaced by John Christ. Sometime in 1987, Danzig decided to change the name of Samhain to match his surname, Danzig, a move that would prevent him from ever again having to start anew, regardless of lineup changes. When London May was replaced with Chuck Biscuits on drums, Samhain officially ceased to exist, and the first Danzig lineup was complete,[7] which then prompted the band to sign to Def American Recordings in 1988.

In 1990, Samhain's final album, Final Descent, was released. Material for the album was completed in stages from 1986 to 1990, with one song ("Death... in its Arms") recorded by the band Danzig, including drummer Chuck Biscuits (who had never been a member of Samhain) during the sessions for Danzig II: Lucifuge. On all other tracks, a drum machine was used. As much of the material for Final Descent was intended for a planned Samhain Grim album, its sound and songwriting bridges the gap between 1986's November Coming Fire and 1988's Danzig. In its first pressings, Final Descent also featured new remixed versions of the then out-of-print Unholy Passion EP. Possibly to avoid potential legal disputes with former guitarist Damien Marshall, Danzig had overdubbed/re-recorded all of the original guitar tracks with his own guitar playing. He also created a new track, a remix of the bass and vocal tracks from "I Am Misery", entitled "Misery Tomb".

When the Samhain box set was released in 2000, these remixes were given a CD of their own, taking the place of the original Unholy Passion EP, while the backend of Final Descent was filled out with four unreleased Samhain Grim era tracks, all featuring London May on drums. Among these were earlier, more abrasive arrangements of the eventual Danzig classics "Twist of Cain" and "Possession", a cover of Elvis Presley's "Trouble" (later re-recorded for the 1993 Danzig EP Thrall-Demonsweatlive), and a faster version of "Lords of the Left Hand".

Reunions (1999–2014)

[edit]

The band briefly reunited in November 1999 to celebrate the release of the Samhain box set. They went on one national tour with the band Danzig headlining. The lineup consisted of Danzig, Zing, May, and then Danzig guitarist Todd Youth. Marshall was initially asked to play guitar, but couldn't as he was already on tour with Iggy Pop.

Samhain would reunite again in October 2011 and 2012 as part of a series of shows called the Danzig Legacy performances. The shows consisted of a set from Danzig, Samhain, and a set of Misfits songs with Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein. Both London May and Steve Zing were part of this reunion.

Samhain reunited for the fourth time to play Riot Fest in September 2014.[8] At that show, they played their debut album Initium in its entirety.[9] The band also played a series of West Coast and East Coast shows from September to November.[7] Peter Adams of the bands Baroness and Valkyrie handled guitar duties.

Another partial reunion took place in 2011 on the Danzig Legacy television special during a set of Samhain songs; "Samhain", and "To Walk the Night". The lineup remained the same with London May and Steve Zing sharing bass and drum duties, and with Tommy Victor playing guitar.

Style

[edit]

Samhain has been classified as death rock,[10] horror punk,[11] heavy metal,[12] and gothic rock,[12] among others. Their style was described by AllMusic as a fusion of punk and heavy metal with elements of "goth".[12]

Sometimes, Glenn Danzig could be seen donning a horned leather S&M mask, and occasionally he and his bandmates went onstage covered in faux blood.[13] Danzig would play guitar on live performances of the song "Archangel", while the regular guitarist strapped on a bass guitar to perform a second bassline.[4]

Members

[edit]
  • Glenn Danzig – vocals, guitar, keyboards, drums (1983–1987, 1999, 2011–2012, 2014)
  • Eerie Von – bass (1983–1987), drums (1983)
  • London May – drums (1985–1987, 1999, 2011–2012, 2014), bass (1999, 2011–2012, 2014)
  • Pete "Damien" Marshall – guitar (1984–1986)
  • Steve Zing – drums (1983–1985, 1999, 2011–2012, 2014), bass (1999, 2011–2012, 2014)
  • John Christ – guitar (1987)
  • Brian Baker – bass (1983)[14]
  • Lyle Preslar – guitar (1983)[15]

Touring musicians

[edit]

Session musicians

[edit]

Timeline

[edit]

Discography

[edit]
Studio albums
EPs
Compilation albums
Live albums

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Eerie Von Interview – BLANKMANinc". October 15, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  2. ^ a b Cipollini, Christian. "Glenn Danzig – Horror Business". Penny Blood. Retrieved April 16, 2010.
  3. ^ Christopher, Michael (October 15, 2015). "Interview: Glenn Danzig talks Elvis, his covers album, and his legacy ahead of Rock and Shock appearance". Vanyaland. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Byron Coley and Jimmy Johnson (October 27, 1984). "Samhain Interview". Forced Exposure. Retrieved October 3, 2009.
  5. ^ "Samhain: November-Coming-Fire". AllMusic.
  6. ^ Blush, Steven (1997). "Glenn Danzig". Seconds. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
  7. ^ a b Gentile, John (July 17, 2010). "Samhain announces more dates". Punknews.org. Retrieved July 19, 2014.
  8. ^ "Riot Fest breaks out in Toronto, Chicago and Denver". USA Today. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  9. ^ "SLAYER, JANE'S ADDICTION, SAMHAIN, THE OFFSPRING To Perform Entire Albums At Chicago's RIOT FEST". Blabbermouth.net. May 15, 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  10. ^ "11 Rock + Metal Bands You Won't Find on Spotify". Loudwire. February 2022.
  11. ^ Rettman, Tony (November 14, 2017). Straight Edge A Clear-Headed Hardcore Punk History.
  12. ^ a b c Torreano, Bradley. "Samhain – Final Descent review". AllMusic. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  13. ^ Samhain Live 85-86 (Videotape). E-Magine Records. September 5, 2000.
  14. ^ Rettman, Tony (November 14, 2017). Straight Edge A Clear-Headed Hardcore Punk History.
  15. ^ "MINOR THREAT Reunion Is 'A Non-Story,' Says Bassist BRIAN BAKER". Blabbermouth. November 17, 2018. Retrieved October 31, 2019.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Samhain_(band)&oldid=1267799371"