tried to move away from it consciously". Although he had previously disliked the heavy metal scene, Rob's opinion changed after borrowing Metallica's Ride the Lightning from drummer Ivan de Prume. Sean has cited both Metallica and Slayer as being highly influential to the band during this time. In an interview with Creem Presents: Thrash Metal, Sean suggested that "the new stuff is pretty close to being metal", while Rob claimed, "I don't know if you'd really call it 'metal' but there's a lot more focus to it. The songs are more like... songs." Reception Because of the shift in musical style critics usually review the album less favorably than the band's previous efforts, citing it as being too derivative and lacking in good production values. AllMusic staff writer Eduardo Rivadavia gave the record two and a half stars, saying that "although Make Them Die Slowly actually contained most of the key musical ingredients responsible for Sexorcistos subsequent breakthrough", the album "leaves much to be desired by subsequent standards". In a retrospective review, the Trouser Press wrote "there are traces of the old art-damage – most perceptibly on the plodding 'Godslayer', which is well-steeped in Funhouse-era Stoogery – but producer Bill Laswell keeps the band on track". However, some fans tend to enjoy this release more as the album more closely resembles the sound that would dominate much of White Zombie's later career. David Sprague of Spin Magazine gave it an enthusiastic review, saying "Make Them Die Slowly might not be the metal LP to end all metal LPs, but it's damned likely to give you more nightmares and chuckles than anything else money can buy you these days". Sprague also gave the production uncommon praise, writing that Laswell "brings with him the simultaneously thin and heavy sound he's so fond of (c.f. Motörhead's Orgasmatron), and works wonders with it". Track listing Personnel Adapted from the Make Them Die Slowly liner notes. White Zombie Rob Zombie – vocals, illustrations John Ricci – guitar Sean Yseult – bass guitar Ivan de Prume – drums Production and additional personnel Martin Bisi – engineering, mixing Oz Fritz – assistant engineering Bill Laswell – production Robert Musso – additional engineering Nicky Skopelitis – programming Artie Smith – technician Howie Weinberg – mastering Release history References External links White Zombie (band) albums 1989 albums Caroline Records albums Albums produced by Bill Laswell