Unholy War

Zoo Freaks, get ready to dive into the dark and theatrical world of Alice Cooper with his track "Unholy War" from the 1994 album The Last Temptation, now spinning on THE ZOO! This song, a gritty anthem of spiritual and personal struggle, features a standout collaboration with Chris Cornell of Soundgarden, who co-wrote and provided backing vocals. In a heartfelt tribute after Cornell’s passing in 2017, Cooper shared on The Herald, “Chris Cornell, in our circle, was known as The Voice because he had the best voice in rock and roll. I was lucky enough to write and record two songs with him.” The track’s lyrics, depicting a lifelong battle against evil, resonate with the album’s narrative of a boy named Steven resisting a devilish showman’s temptations, a story brought to life in a three-part comic book penned by Neil Gaiman.

Another tidbit for the Zoo Crew to share: "Unholy War" is the seventh track on The Last Temptation and ties directly into the album’s second comic book issue, also titled “Unholy War,” illustrated by Michael Zulli. According to WelcometomyNightmare.co.uk, the comic continues Steven’s eerie journey as he confronts the mysterious showman on Halloween, amplifying the song’s themes of resistance and judgment. Fans on The Official Alice Cooper Facebook Group have noted how the song’s raw energy and Cooper’s raspy delivery make it a fan favorite, though it was rarely performed live after the 1990s. The song’s intensity, with lines like “I’ll try, I’ll fight until I die,” captures Cooper’s signature blend of horror and rebellion, perfect for our Zoo Freaks vibing to the heavier side of rock.

Let’s rewind to how Alice Cooper, born Vincent Damon Furnier, kicked off his legendary career. Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, Cooper’s journey began in 1964 when he formed a band with high school pals, initially called The Earwigs, then The Spiders, before settling on Alice Cooper. According to his bio on Wikipedia, the group drew inspiration from horror films, vaudeville, and garage rock, crafting a macabre, theatrical style that earned Cooper the title “The Godfather of Shock Rock.” Their big break came after signing with Frank Zappa’s Straight Records in 1969, releasing their debut album Pretties for You. The band’s 1971 album Killer and the hit “School’s Out” in 1972 catapulted them to fame, with Cooper’s wild stage shows—featuring guillotines, fake blood, and boa constrictors—shocking and captivating audiences. After the band split in 1975, Furnier legally became Alice Cooper and launched a solo career with the iconic concept album Welcome to My Nightmare, solidifying his legacy.

Zoo Freaks can keep up with Alice Cooper’s latest antics on his official website, AliceCooper.com, where you’ll find tour dates, merch, and more. Connect with him on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on his music, radio show Nights with Alice Cooper, and occasional golfing adventures. For deeper dives, check out fan communities like SickThingsUK, a top fan site with detailed discographies and news, or join discussions on The Official Alice Cooper Facebook Group. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the shock rock scene, Cooper’s world is a wild ride—crank up “Unholy War” and let the Zoo Crew keep the vibes unholy!