Samhain was signed by Rick Rubin

In 1986, Samhain was signed by Rick Rubin to his Def Jam Recordings label. Rubin at first wished only to sign Danzig. He had hoped to assemble a “super-group” with the talented vocalist at the center, but Danzig refused and also refused to agree to the record deal unless bassist Eerie Von could remain in the group. Rubin and Danzig agreed, however, that the band’s sound should be taken in a different direction, and so guitarist Damien Marshall 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. When London May was replaced with Chuck Biscuits on drums, Samhain officially ceased to exist, and the first Danzig lineup was complete, which then prompted the band to sign to Def American Recordings in 1988.