Samhain was a horror punk and death rock band formed by singer Glenn Danzig in 1983. Horror punk is a Music genre that was defined by the bands The Misfits, The Cramps and seminally influential group The Damned, blending Deathrock (or Death Punk) is a term used to identify a fusion of Punk rock and Gothic rock which incorporates elements of horror and spooky atmospheres Glenn Danzig (born Glenn Anzalone on June 23, 1955) is an American singer Songwriter, Musician, Entrepreneur The group's membership evolved into Danzig by 1987. Danzig is an American Heavy metal band that fuses dark lyrics and imagery with Blues-rock influences

Band history

Danzig originally planned Samhain as a side project, but after his earlier group, The Misfits, messily dissolved, it became his full-time band. In Popular music, a side project is a project undertaken by one or more persons already known for their involvement in another band The Misfits are an American Samhain is the least-celebrated of Danzig's major musical outlets because, as Glen announced to "Revolver Magazine", they catalog a transitional period in his musical career, bridging the gap between the punk rock of the Misfits and the dark, heavy metal and blues-influenced sound of Danzig. The Blues is a vocal and instrumental form of Music based on the use of the Blue notes It emerged as an accessible form of self-expression Danzig is an American Heavy metal band that fuses dark lyrics and imagery with Blues-rock influences

Danzig took the name of the band from Samhain, the ancient Celtic New Year, which influenced the modern Halloween. Samhain (ˈsaʊn or /ˈsɑːwɪn/ Irish /ˈsˠaunʲ/ from the Old Irish samain) is the word for November in a few Gaelic languages Halloween, or Hallowe’en, is a Holiday celebrated on the night of October 31. The band's name is pronounced "sow-win", although the name is often incorrectly pronounced as "Sam-Hane" (Danzig himself introduces the song "Samhain" on Samhain Live 85-86 by saying "gonna try to wake things up a little. . . This is Sam-Hane"). 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 #8, published by Marvel Comics). Michael Golden is an American Comic-book Artist and commercial artist best known for The Saga of Crystar Crystal Warrior was a 1983 11-issue fantasy-based Marvel comic book with an associated toy line from Remco, consisting of seven figures Marvel Comics is an American comic book company owned by Marvel Publishing Inc

Samhain was much darker than than The Misfts, with lyrics rooted in the occult and eventually the horrors of reality, as opposed to the sometimes cartoonish ghouls and ghosts of the Misfits. The word occult comes from the Latin word occultus (clandestine hidden secret referring to "knowledge of the hidden" Samhain's musical style was a dark, gritty, and experimental combination of punk, gothic rock, and on the last album, heavy metal. This article is about the musical style of gothic rock For the goth scene in general see Goth subculture.

Samhain released two full-length albums and one EP during their three year career as an active band. An extended play ( EP) is a Vinyl record, CD, or Music download which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify Some criticized their first album for being merely the Misfits slowed down, but Samhain demonstrated noticeably superior musicianship. However, as their career progressed, they evolved into their own unique style of lo-fi gothic-doom and gained a cult following that surpassed the modest fanbase The Misfits had while they were active. Lo-fi is an aesthetic in music production which uses Low fidelity recording practices

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. Earth AD/Wolfs Blood (usually just called Earth AD) was the last album The Misfits recorded with Glenn Danzig.

Live shows

A Samhain show was an energetic and unpredictable event. Sometimes Danzig could be seen donning a bizarre demon-shaped leather S&M mask and occasionally he and his bandmates went onstage covered in mock blood. Master/slave or M/s relationships are a special case of dominance/submission, in which through mutual agreement the dominant has ultimate authority

Next band

In 1986, Samhain was signed by Rick Rubin to his Def Jam label. Frederick Jay "Rick" Rubin (born March 10 1963 in Lido Beach New York) is an American Record producer and is currently Def Jam Recordings is a United States based hip-hop Record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operates as a part of The Island 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. Eerie Von (born Eric Stellman on August 25, 1964) was the drummer for Rosemary's Babies, a Hardcore punk band from Lodi, New 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. For information about the bass guitarist of Avenged Sevenfold, see Johnny 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. By the time drummer London May was replaced with Chuck Biscuits, Samhain officially ceased to exist, and the first Danzig lineup was complete. London May (born 20 July 1967) is a rock musician best know as the drummer for American band Samhain, which he joined in the summer of 1985. Chuck Biscuits (real name Charles Montgomery (born April 17, 1965) was a Drummer for Victorian Pork, D

Late album

In 1990, Samhain's final album, Final Descent, was released. Final Descent is an album by Samhain, first released in 1990 more than three years after lead singer Glenn Danzig and bassist Eerie Von had recruited 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. Chuck Biscuits (real name Charles Montgomery (born April 17, 1965) was a Drummer for Victorian Pork, D Danzig II Lucifuge is the second album by Danzig. It was released in 1990 on Def American Recordings and was reissued in the USA and 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. Final Descent is an album by Samhain, first released in 1990 more than three years after lead singer Glenn Danzig and bassist Eerie Von had recruited Samhain III November-Coming-Fire was the band Samhain 's third release Danzig is the 1988 debut album of the eponymous band led by Glenn Danzig, formerly the songwriter and vocalist of The Misfits and Samhain In its first pressings, Final Descent also featured new remixed versions of the then out-of-print Unholy Passion EP. Final Descent is an album by Samhain, first released in 1990 more than three years after lead singer Glenn Danzig and bassist Eerie Von had recruited Unholy Passion is a 1985 EP by Samhain, the band's second release 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 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. The Samhain Box Set was released in 2000 more than 13 years after Samhain effectively ceased recording and performing Unholy Passion is a 1985 EP by Samhain, the band's second release Final Descent is an album by Samhain, first released in 1990 more than three years after lead singer Glenn Danzig and bassist Eerie Von had recruited London May (born 20 July 1967) is a rock musician best know as the drummer for American band Samhain, which he joined in the summer of 1985. 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 EPThrall: Demonsweatlive), and a faster version of "Lords of the Left Hand". Thrall - Demonsweatlive is an EP by Danzig. It was released in 1993 on American Recordings.

Reunion

Samhain briefly reunited in 1999 to celebrate the release of the Box Set. The Samhain Box Set was released in 2000 more than 13 years after Samhain effectively ceased recording and performing They went on one national tour with the band Danzig headlining. The lineup consisted of Danzig, Zing, May, and then Danzig guitarist Todd Youth. Todd Schofield (born 15 May 1971) more commonly known by the stage name Todd Youth, is a Punk rock and hardcore musician Damien was initially asked to play guitar, but couldn't due to already being on tour with Iggy Pop. James Newell Osterberg Jr (born April 21, 1947) better known by his Stage name Iggy Pop, is an American rock singer Songwriter In interviews Danzig said that co-founder Eerie Von was not asked to participate due to him slandering other former members of the band. Eerie Von (born Eric Stellman on August 25, 1964) was the drummer for Rosemary's Babies, a Hardcore punk band from Lodi, New Danzig has since stated that the band will not tour again.

Members

• Glenn Danzig: Founding member. Glenn Danzig (born Glenn Anzalone on June 23, 1955) is an American singer Songwriter, Musician, Entrepreneur Vocals/guitar/keyboards/drums, also sole songwriter and lyricist. Also a member of Danzig.
• Brian Baker Founding member, formerly of Minor Threat. Brian Baker (born February 25, 1965) is an American Punk rock musician Minor Threat was an American Hardcore punk band that formed in Washington D 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.
• Lyle Preslar: Founding member, formerly of Minor Threat. Lyle Preslar is an American musician best known for being a Guitar player and song writer for the Hardcore punk band Minor Threat. Minor Threat was an American Hardcore punk band that formed in Washington D Guitar on four tracks on Initium only. Initium is the 1984 debut album of Samhain, released on lead singer Glenn Danzig 's independent record label Plan 9. Scheduling problems and an early difference of opinion over musical direction led to his non-involvement in the band.
• Al Pike: Formerly of Reagan Youth. Reagan Youth was a band started by singer Dave Rubinstein (Dave Insurgent and his friend and guitarist Paul Bakija in Queens in early 1980 Played bass on Initium's "Archangel". Initium is the 1984 debut album of Samhain, released on lead singer Glenn Danzig 's independent record label Plan 9. Archangels are superior or higher-ranking Angels Archangels are found in a number of religious traditions including Islam, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism
• Steve Zing: Founding member. Steve Zing (born Steven Grecco June 29 1964) drummed for Implosion, Mourning Noise, and The Undead before joining Samhain Drums on Initium and Unholy Passion, also held Drum and Bass duties for the 1999 tour. Initium is the 1984 debut album of Samhain, released on lead singer Glenn Danzig 's independent record label Plan 9. Unholy Passion is a 1985 EP by Samhain, the band's second release
• Eerie Von: Bass, backing vocals. Eerie Von (born Eric Stellman on August 25, 1964) was the drummer for Rosemary's Babies, a Hardcore punk band from Lodi, New Also a member of Danzig.
• Pete "Damien" Marshall: Guitar on Unholy Passion and November-Coming-Fire. Unholy Passion is a 1985 EP by Samhain, the band's second release Samhain III November-Coming-Fire was the band Samhain 's third release
• London May: Drums on November-Coming-Fire and held drum and bass duties for the 1999 tour, ex-Reptile House. London May (born 20 July 1967) is a rock musician best know as the drummer for American band Samhain, which he joined in the summer of 1985. Samhain III November-Coming-Fire was the band Samhain 's third release Reptile House was a 1980s Hardcore punk band from Baltimore's music scene
• Todd Youth: Guitar on the 1999 tour only, also played on the related Son of Sam side project with Davey Havok, Steve Zing and London May. Todd Schofield (born 15 May 1971) more commonly known by the stage name Todd Youth, is a Punk rock and hardcore musician Son of Sam is a Horror rock " supergroup " side project created by Todd Youth in 2000 during his tenure as the guitarist for Danzig. David Steve Zing (born Steven Grecco June 29 1964) drummed for Implosion, Mourning Noise, and The Undead before joining Samhain London May (born 20 July 1967) is a rock musician best know as the drummer for American band Samhain, which he joined in the summer of 1985.
• John Christ: Guitar on side one of Final Descent and the mostly unreleased Samhain Grim sessions. For information about the bass guitarist of Avenged Sevenfold, see Johnny Christ. Final Descent is an album by Samhain, first released in 1990 more than three years after lead singer Glenn Danzig and bassist Eerie Von had recruited Also played in Danzig.
• Chuck Biscuits: Never actually a member of Samhain, although he played drums on "Death. Chuck Biscuits (real name Charles Montgomery (born April 17, 1965) was a Drummer for Victorian Pork, D . . In Its Arms" from Final Descent. Final Descent is an album by Samhain, first released in 1990 more than three years after lead singer Glenn Danzig and bassist Eerie Von had recruited Also a member of Danzig.

Discography

• Initium (1984)
• Unholy Passion EP (1985)
• November-Coming-Fire (1986)
• Final Descent (1990)
• Box Set (2000)
• Samhain Live '85-'86 (2001)