Misfits: Ranking All 7 Studio Albums From Worst To Best
A true legacy of brutality.
The Misfits are undeniably one of the single-most important punk rock bands of all time. They innovated the horror punk subgenre during the punk movement of the 1970s, launched the career of heavy metal icon Glenn Danzig, and recently celebrated their fortieth anniversary.
Over the course of the past four decades, they've had three major frontmen, nearly twenty total members, and plenty of highs and lows as far as fans and critics are concerned. However, things have now come full circle, with the "Original Misfits" coming back together for what appears to be one last series of shows before they ride off into the sunset.
In true punk rock fashion, the band has released countless EPs, singles, compilations, and live albums over the years, but have only put out seven studio albums. Nevertheless, these albums play an essential part in making up the band's nigh-immortal legacy.
So, with Danzig and company seemingly preparing to close the book on the Misfits once at for all, it seems like the perfect time to take a look at these albums and decide which best represent this iconic group at their very best.
7. The Devil's Rain (2011)
'The Devil's Rain', the first (original) studio album to be released by the Misfits with Jerry Only as the frontman, is also the least impressive in the group's entire catalog.
That's not to knock Only, mind you. Objectively, 'The Devil's Rain' is far from a bad rock album. However, when compared to the group's other releases, its creative direction is questionable at best.
The biggest issue with 'The Devil's Rain' is that it's an album with a noticeable identity crisis. It didn't know if it wanted to emulate the Glenn Danzig Misfits, emulate the Michale Graves Misfits, or be its own thing. It also didn't know if it wanted its horror elements to be campy or serious.
They threw a lot at the wall with this one and, to be fair, some of it did stick. For instance, the title track is fantastic. On the whole, however, this is an album that made the band feel like a shadow of its former self.
The Jerry Only-led Misfits did eventually find their footing (the 'Friday the 13th' EP was terrific, after all), but 'The Devil's Rain' will likely be remembered as the black sheep of the band's discography.