Glenn Danzig Departs Misfits Permanently, Launches New Band Focused on Dark Rock Revival

• Glenn Danzig Departs Misfits Permanently, Launches New Band Focused on Dark Rock Revival

In a major development that marks the end of an era, legendary frontman Glenn Danzig has officially announced his permanent departure from the Misfits, the iconic horror-punk band he co-founded in 1977. The announcement comes after nearly a decade of reunion performances under “The Original Misfits” banner, which reunited Danzig with longtime bandmate Jerry Only and guitarist Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein.

Danzig, 69, cited a desire to “evolve artistically and return to the roots of dark, melodic rock” as the driving force behind his decision. “The Misfits will always be part of my blood,” Danzig said in a statement released Monday. “But it’s time to step into a new shadow.”

That new shadow takes the form of a fresh musical endeavor: Lucifer’s Reign, a band Danzig describes as “a blend of gothic rock, doom metal, and classic crooning, all laced with apocalyptic themes.” The group’s debut album is expected to release in late 2025, with a lead single anticipated as early as August. Longtime collaborators from the Danzig and Samhain eras are rumored to be involved in the project.

The Misfits have not yet commented officially on Danzig’s departure, though sources close to the band suggest Jerry Only intends to continue performing under the Misfits name with a new vocalist. The band had previously reunited in 2016 after a decades-long split, performing to sold-out arenas and festivals worldwide.

Fans of horror punk are left with mixed emotions—saddened by the final chapter in the Misfits’ reunion, but curious about what new sonic territory Danzig will explore with Lucifer’s Reign. One thing is certain: the godfather of horror punk isn’t fading into the night—he’s just changing its soundtrack.