Released in 2011,
The Devil’s Rain marks phase three of
the Misfits, and is the first album of original material since
Famous Monsters, released 12 years prior. In this incarnation, the group’s last original member,
Jerry Only, takes the frontman role and is joined by guitarist Dez Cadena (
Black Flag) and drummer Eric “Chupacabra” Arce (
Murphy’s Law) -- a lineup that was road-tested on their ‘50s covers album,
Project 1950.
Misfits purists who live and die by the
Danzig-led era shouldn’t expect to be converted. In fact, even the fans who embraced
Michale Graves as a replacement vocalist might have a hard time with the bassist’s deadpan, articulate crooning. However, those who have stuck it out this long will probably just be happy with a new album that sticks firmly to the horror formula. The face-melting picture of the Fiend on the cover by Marvel artist Arthur Suydam is a nice bonus. ~ Jason Lymangrover