W.A.S.P. is band that most likely you haven't heard of, or have only heard of on VH1 Classic. This band has quickly become one of my favorites over the two years. I first became aware of them in 2002, then again more familiar with their work in 2006, and then just started buying up anything the band released in the early part of last year. The band has gone through countless lineup changes, with one constant member in lead singer/bassist (or rhythm guitarist, depending on the lineup) Blackie Lawless. The band was thrown in with the other L.A. bands of the mid 80s, a "glam metal or hair metal", but this band was and is different. The band was always much darker, more shocking, with a strong KISS and Alice Cooper influence. But in 1992 the band released, their most widely acclaimed, "The Crimson Idol" a concept album centered around a fictional rock star who rises to fame, only to realize that it is not what he wanted. The band forged on in the 90s with a changing lineup and sound. Their post 200o work is probably some of their strongest. Unholy Terror - deals with a variety of issues, even hitting upon dictators and other world leaders who have gone mad with power, Dying for the World - an album written by Blackie as his reaction to 9/11, he expresses his anger, outrage, and also sadness, 8 of the 10 tracks are directly about 9/11. Following this, W.A.S.P. went with another concept album, this time a two part affair, called 'The Neon God'. But, now onto 'Dominator'.I heard this album late last year, but finally go it about two or three months ago, the band is no longer on a major label so it was tough to find. The album is about world politics and U.S.'s tendency to dominate others, hence the title. Blackie posted on the band's website that was a strong supporter of John McCain and George W. Bush. I mention this because this album is an attack on Bush in some ways. There are 9 tracks, clocking in at 43 minutes, and every song is a standout.
The album is political in nature, but like many WASP albums, it is a challenge to figure out. The lyrics are complex, referencing religious and political events and persons, as well as American culture and folklore. This album is relevant, it is actually saying something, there is something going on here. The album is complex, because the world is complex. I love the entire idea that the album is going on and trying to layout what is going on in the world, we live in intersting times, so might as well write about it. Originally, I wanted to do a track by track rundown, what the song is about and so on, but I could not because after numerous listens I am still trying to figure it all. The songs are dealing with the world, what America has done and is doing and the impact it has. It is also an album filled with religious references and religious practices. Long story short, check this album out yourself, buy, get it off lime wire, find it on YouTube, but check it out.
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