Rob Zombie in Sequel Hell

"Hellbilly Deluxe 2: Noble Jackals, Penny Dreadfuls and the Systematic Dehumanization of Cool," is more than just a mouthful, it's Rob Zombie's highly anticipated follow-up album. In an industry that loves sequels and most importantly, repeat business, Zombie can identify. The musician turned filmmaker is gearing up to serve not just a second helping of "Hellbilly Deluxe" but a re-release of Halloween 2 for Hallows' Eve.

Zombie has recently had to liberate himself from Geffen after 18 years with the label, when it was clear they couldn't pay attention to him or the album and now calls Roadrunner Records/Loud and Proud home.

"Hellbilly Deluxe 2" was initially good to go Nov. 17 but with the label change and contractual obligations it's now slated for an early 2010 release date.

"It certainly wasn't an easy decision to make after all this time, but it had to be done," Zombie said. "I love this new record and wanted to surround myself with an excited new group of people who can reignite my enthusiasm for working within a hard rock record label. Roadrunner seems to be the perfect place."

Zombie is currently on tour playing dates through December winding down at the 9:30 Club in DC. The current line-up has been playing together for the last fiver years giving Zombie a well deserved breath of high octane energy and fresh approach needed. He encapsulates the same spirit summoned on the first album which marked his solo debut and the demise of White Zombie. The album went on to become a best seller for Zombie pushing over 3 million units in stateside.

"What is similar with the two albums is the vibe and the attitude," Zombie told The Mercury News. "The new album has the same spirit of the first record, which involved the freeing process of being away from a band that was very confining. To be able to say, ‘Now I can do whatever I want, whenever I want to'... [Recording the new album] was a very happy time. Sometimes you get those really energized, creative moments. 'Hellbilly Deluxe 2' has that same spirit."

There are no subtleties to be found at a Zombie show. Once the lights dim you have a fantastic glimpse into this man's head. On screen visuals containing gore and nudity have been bumped up thanks to technological advances and musically, Zombie and crew bring on the pain and reverb. Hey, the man digs his horror. He's been meshing his love of movies with music for over 20 years.

While keeping up this fast pace may not be the life for some, juggling both film and music careers speaks to both sides of Zombie's brain as he recently told CNN, "They're a great counter-balance. "It's both sides of my personality. I have a subdued, meticulous side that needs to obsess over work. But I have the other side where you just need to go crazy, you know?"

Following the tour, Zombie has the next two years planned out before him with television production work, an original film, "Tyrannosaurus Rex," in pre-production and the rumored remake of the 1958 classic "The Blob."

"Trying to scare people is tricky. Horror and comedy are kind of similar, because what scares people and what makes people laugh can be so varied. For me, what I always liked about horror movies, which I feel is lacking a lot times, is atmosphere. Old horror movies had a certain atmosphere, and they had very memorable characters. I hate the so-called slasher movies. It's a bunch of teenagers with no atmosphere or great monsters. It's like you're watching 'Party of Five' and somebody happens to die."