The Misfits disbanded in 1983, and Glenn Danzig went on to form Samhain and then Danzig. Several albums of reissued and previously unreleased material were issued after the group's dissolution, and their music later became influential to punk rock, heavy metal, and alternative rock. After a series of legal battles with Danzig, Only and Doyle regained the rights to record and perform as the Misfits. They formed a new version of the band in 1995 with singer Michale Graves and drummer Dr. Chud. This incarnation of Misfits had more of a heavy metal sound, and released the albums American Psycho (1997) and Famous Monsters (1999) before dissolving in 2000. Jerry Only then took over lead vocals and recruited former Black Flag guitarist Dez Cadena and former Ramones drummer Marky Ramone for a Misfits 25th anniversary tour.
This lineup released an album of cover songs titled Project 1950 and toured for several years. In 2005, Marky was replaced by Robo, who had played with Black Flag in the early 1980s and had also previously been Misfits' drummer from 1982 to 1983. This lineup released a single titled "Land of the Dead" in 2009. The Misfits' lineup of Only, Cadena, and drummer Eric "Chupacabra" Arce released a new album titled The Devil's Rain in October 2011. In 2015, it was announced that Cadena would be taking a break from music after receiving a cancer diagnosis, and was replaced by Only's son Jerry Caiafa II, presented as Jerry Other. That same year Soulfly's Marc Rizzo joined the band, also playing guitar. He filled in for Cadena, before Caiafa would move on to become the sole guitarist for the band.
In September 2016, for the first time in 33 years, Danzig, Only, and Doyle reunited for two headlining shows as the Original Misfits at that year's edition of Riot Fest, along with drummer Dave Lombardo and second guitarist Acey Slade. The Original Misfits lineup continued performing sporadically through 2019.
Each incarnation of the Misfits has made use of horror film and science fiction film-inspired themes and imagery, with makeup, clothing, artwork, and lyrics drawn from B movies and television serials, many from the 1950s through 1970s. Musically the band are often recognized as progenitors of the horror punk and psychobilly subgenres and have drawn from punk rock, heavy metal, and 1950s rock and roll and rockabilly to inform their style. Rolling Stone describes them as "the archetypal horror-punk band of the late 1970s and early '80s", and they are considered icons in punk music and culture.
Hellhound
Misfits Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That hellhound's gonna rip your face off
Got a hellhound dog
That hellhound's gonna tear right through
Got a hellhound born
A hellhound born to the pack
Got a hellhound dog
And I know that I might be dead
Those who seek it out
Those who stand a few
Hell, hell of Satan's pack
We are born of hate
Both feet into hell
Take another step
Towards the bleeding light
Those who seek it out
Those who stand a few
We are a part of it
Got a hellhound dog
That hellhound's gonna rip your face off
Got a hellhound dog
That hellhound's gonna tear right through
Got a hellhound born
A hellhound born to the pack
Got a hellhound dog
That hellhound's gonna rip your face off
Got a hellhound dog
That hellhound's gonna rip your face off
Got a hellhound dog
Got a hellhound born
The Misfits’ song, Hellhound, is a hard-hitting rock song with gritty lyrics that depict the violent and savage nature of hellhounds. The opening lines of the song state, “Got a hellhound dog, that hellhound’s gonna rip your face off.” The song describes the brutal and merciless behavior of these supernatural creatures, whose sole purpose is to hunt and destroy their prey. The lyrics suggest that these creatures are born to the pack, and their predatory instincts are ingrained in them from birth. The singer emphasizes the power and ferocity of these hellhounds, who can “tear right through” their targets.
The second verse of the song focuses on the Satanic nature of the hellhounds. The lyrics declare, “We are born of hate, both feet into hell.” The song suggests that these creatures are a part of Satan’s pack and are fueled by a deep-seated hatred. The lyrics warn those who try to seek out and confront these creatures, stating that they “might be dead” if they do so. The song seems to suggest that the best course of action is to stay away from these dangerous creatures, as they are a powerful force to be reckoned with.
In conclusion, Hellhound by The Misfits is a raw and unbridled rock track that explores the dark, violent world of hellhounds. The lyrics describe these creatures as savage and powerful, with an unrelenting desire to hunt and destroy their prey. The song suggests that these creatures are a part of Satan’s pack and that their behavior is fueled by hatred and malice.
Line by Line Meaning
Got a hellhound dog
I possess a dog that's fierce and dangerous.
That hellhound's gonna rip your face off
The dog is capable of attacking and hurting someone badly.
Got a hellhound born
I have a dog that was bred to be a hunter and fighter.
A hellhound born to the pack
This dog has a natural instinct to work with others of its kind.
And I know that I might be dead
I realize that I'm taking risks and could end up dead because of my choices.
Those who seek it out
People who intentionally put themselves in dangerous situations.
Those who stand a few
The brave few who are willing to confront their fears and face danger head-on.
Hell, hell of Satan's pack
The dog is a symbol of Satan's followers and their evil ways.
We are born of hate
Our existence is rooted in negativity and anger.
Both feet into hell
We've committed to a path of evil and destruction.
Take another step
Continue down this dangerous path even further.
Towards the bleeding light
Despite the potential consequences, we're moving towards danger without caution.
We are a part of it
Our actions and choices align with Satan's dominion.
That hellhound's gonna tear right through
The dog is uncontrollable and will rampage through anything in its path.
Got a hellhound dog
I have a dog that's a threat to anyone who tries to cross me.
That hellhound's gonna rip your face off
The dog is dangerous and unpredictable.
Got a hellhound born
My dog is bred for violence and hunting.
A hellhound born to the pack
The dog is part of a larger group of similar dogs with a common purpose.
That hellhound's gonna rip your face off
The dog is a serious threat to anyone in its way.
Got a hellhound dog
I own a ferocious and violent dog.
Lyrics © REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: GLEN DANZIG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind