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Samhain was a Deathrock 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 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 sound of Danzig . 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 use the same horned skull image originally drawn by artist Michael Golden for the cover of the 1984 comic book ''Crystar, Crystal Warrior'' #8, published by Marvel Comics ). 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 , Gothic Rock , and on the last album, Heavy Metal . Samhain released two full-length albums and one 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. 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. 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. 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. NEXT BAND 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, 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. == REUNION Samhain briefly reunited in 1999 to celebrate the release of the 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. 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. MEMBERS
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