W.A.S.P. has been around for over 18 years now. Despite numerous line-up
changes, they have continued to provide fans with some great music. Blackie
Lawless is the only original member left. He is W.A.S.P. He is the driving
force and fuel that helps feed the fire for the band to carry on.
Whenever I hear that a new W.A.S.P. album is due for release, I anxiously
await with much anticipation as to what it will sound like. Ever since "The
Headless Children" release, W.A.S.P. has continued to use a formula
and style of writing that seems to have been somewhat consistent. So when listening
to "Dying For The World", I could easily make references and comparisons
to albums like "The Headless Children", "The Crimson Idol", "Unholy
Terror", "Still Not Black Enough" and even the classic debut. "Dying
For The World" is a mutt mix of all these records. It's heavy, driving and
sure not to disappoint. It's a demonstration of inspiration through aggression.
The album was actually inspired by letters received from troops who fought in
the Gulf War. "Dying For The World" was produced by Blackie Lawless and
mixed by Bill Metoyer (Armored Saint, Lizzy Borden, Fates Warning,
Slayer, Six Feet Under, Flotsam and Jetsam). The cover
has the abstract, dark, look of albums like Slayer's "Season's In
The Abyss","South of Heaven" and "Reign In Blood".
"Shadow Man" is the first single from the album. It's a mid-tempo
rocker with some Black Sabbath like riffing as well as guitar solos reminiscent
of Chris Holmes style.
"My Wicked Heart" reminds me a lot of the songs "Thunderhead"
and "L.O.V.E. Machine". Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot) once again
helps out Blackie Lawless on the drums.
The throttling, banshee like wails of Blackie Lawless have never been pushed
to the limit until a song like "Hell For Eternity". The beginning of
this song reminds me of "B.A.D." before it picks up in speed. The hi-hats
really stick out in the mix of this song.
One of my favorite songs on this CD is "Revengeance". It's got "The
Heretic" and "The Hellion" written all over it. It's fast paced,
aggressive and angry! This is W.A.S.P. at their best!
The track "Trail of Tears" has an American Indian feel to it. The drums
follow a repetitive pattern that is tribal and ritualistic in sound. One of
the slower tracks on the album.
"Stone Cold Killers" is another upbeat track that sounds like "Murders
In the Rue Morgue". W.A.S.P. continues their use of Hammond Organ
Keyboard sounds on this song.
There are two versions of the ballad "Hallowed Ground". The first one
is more of a slow power ballad in the vein of songs like "Forever Free"
or "Sleeping In The Fire". It has some heavy electric rhythm guitar power
chords, bass and drums. The second version is a mix of clean electric guitar
and acoustic guitar, no drums or bass.
I've got to give Blackie Lawless a lot of credit for still sounding as fresh
today as he did back in 1984. For someone who sings the way he does, it just
amazes me how good his vocals can still sound. This album will sink in after
only a few listens. Another W.A.S.P album well worth the wait!