W.A.S.P. - Babylon |
Published October 12 2009
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Crazy* |
| Genre | Heavy Metal |
Blackie Lawless
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Vocals
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| Tracks | 9 |
Blackie Lawless
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Guitar
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| Runningtime | 44 Min. |
Doug Blair Lucek
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Guitar
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| Label | Frontiers Records |
Mike Duda
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Bass
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| Release | 12 October 2009 |
Mike Dupke
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Drums
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| Country | USA |
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Keyboard
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| Similar artists | The Who, The Scorpions, Kiss | ||
The Manimal - who lately, has sucked, like the least inspired musician, that is Blackie Lawless - is back inside the eclectic circus of - "God, Guns, & Religion".
The hellion, who created a unique metallic sound in the early '80s; lucklessly, has done very little to depart from it; thereby leaving many of the subsequent releases staid, tedious, and boring. His reign of unholy terror continues with - 'Babylon' - where he babbles on with a new album based around biblical visions of "The Four Horseman Of The Apocalypse".
Why is the enlightened groomsman idol writing about the Book Of Revelations? Is this not a common metal cliche'? Almost every successful metal act has broached this topic, at some point in their career; however, Blackie Lawless' (Steven Duren) reasons for doing so, falls in line with his new found faith.
Blackie was once the widowmaker and creator of generations of wild witless children. Now he has at last fallen under the command of The Almighty; feeling the desire to lure us all into his realm of conversion and repentance.
'Babylon' is the second W.A.S.P. title for Demolition Records, and it endures with the same mindset as 'Dominator', but with a little more punch and flair. I keep wondering to myself, "where is the promised sequel - 'Crimson Idol II'?" Then it occurs to me, "Oh wait, the last decade of albums have essentially been that, both musically, and stylistically!"
I have always supported W.A.S.P., and when I met Chris Holmes during the 'Helldorado' Tour, he was a decent enough fellow, but Blackie always had a bit of a bullheaded attitude. Now, he has become another "sinner" who has surrendered to a Higher Authority. So, I suppose he feels compelled to write about it.
I truly feel that he really reached, and deeply touched our souls, with - 'The Crimson Idol'. This emotional album grabbed ahold of our hearts and inspired us all. This is one of my favourite concept albums of all time. Then, he tried again to captivate our awareness with 'Neon God' Parts One & Two; although the rise and demise of those albums verified that they were lacking of inspiration, in many respects.
He has forced his political polemics down our throat, ad nauseum. Yet, now in his eyes, are we to be punished for our animal instincts, are we then, truly fucked? Like a bestial invasion is really coming from the sky to eliminate us all, if we do not accede! When he screams, "on your knees!", the reference focuses on prayer and supplication, and not fellow lothario pleasure pursuits of the past.
There have been several great misconceptions of metal, and what is the real metal. Thankfully, W.A.S.P. play Traditional Metal. I just do not want Blackie to meddle in my personal affairs.
This might be the best W.A.S.P., since 'Helldorado', and the under appreciated 'Kill, Fuck, Die', both of which featured the return of Christopher John Holmes. Unfortunately, many of the songs feel like new versions of the classics, with new lyrics, and different sonic arrangements.
The CD begins its assault and revengeance with "Crazy" summoning the four horsemen to ride forth and conquer. This song is clearly a derivation of "Wild Child", where a scared to death soul, longing for somebody to love, beckons for reassurance and inner salvation.
The bravura of "Live To Die Another Day" becomes the savage resurrector on 'Babylon', with its chain bond of faith, hope, and love. This harder...faster...more mettle to the metal attitude really carries the music and gets the message across, for those who have ears to hear, and listen .
The sunset shine of "Babylon's Burning" with its chorus alluding to the #666, the seven seals, the dark riders of armageddon, and that venomous whore who brings on the damnation angels, reminds me of "Rebel In The F.D.G. (Fucking Decadent Generation)" from the smoking 'T.H.C.'
Obviously, there is a strong 'Headless Children' and 'Last Command' vibe permeating, and ultimately, this is what saves the album from being like all the rest, over the last decade. However, like 'Dominator', it is laconic and concise.
Even though there are two great covers, this only makes the total of new blood thirst lasting cuts a count of seven. Then again, perhaps this is the number Blackie was striving for, with all its numerological affirmations.
Bassist Mike Duda has been active with this band for over a decade, and when he sings, he does a damn good Blackie impersonation; which is commendable, because the Lawless one is beginning to lose his trademark vocal nuance. Douglas Blair Lucek is an accomplished guitarist, and there are plenty of solos ending most tracks, which allows for the songs to run together effectively, and flow well, accordingly and harmoniously.
The sleeper - "Into The Fire" - burns with passion, and horror, but not of Lucifer's magick. There will be no deal with the Devil made. All the feral imagery is replaced with images of chastisement, lest mankind wise up. Will the torture ever stop!
The clamorous stroke of lightning, which impels thunder headbanging, occurs while listening to - "Thunder Red" - dogged by its blind and taxing consequences. I want to be somewhat clear, this is a good song, if you will get beyond the proselytizing intention.
"Seas Of Fire" burns with a fever, and reminds me of Kiss' "Lick It Up", with a hint of "Widowmaker". The drums take on a distinct personality, and Mike Dupke noticeably showcases his talent.
The mild and indiscrete "Godless Run" and its amazing chorus, gracefully brings the whole theme to a head, lest you choose to ignore the scripture that Blackie is attempting to bring to light. It is a shame though, that he has chosen to take the addiction, and his love for God, a little to far; but hey, if that is what works for him, who am I to complain! He is forever free to practice what he preaches.
I just hope he does not let his personal beliefs interfere with his stage persona and presence, if you know what I mean, Man!. When I attend a W.A.S.P. show, I want to hear all the hits, see him drink blood from the skulls, wear and ignite the buzz saw, and ride the standing Harley bars. Alice Cooper and Tom Araya do not denounce their personal beliefs, but they also do not let them, in any way, prevent them from creating a spectacular live experience.
W.A.S.P. have always covered some great bands, and done a fine job making their bold crural legacy selections their own. Their rendition of Deep Purple's "Burn" almost sounds like a W.A.S.P. original, and is most impressive. Apparently, this was supposed to originally appear on 'Dominator'. The choice for Chuck Berry's "Promised Land" to conclude the album, takes on a two fold perspective, and is performed with a subtle fluid alacrity and given a noble berth.
I appreciate the longevity of this band, who are celebrating almost three decades as sister saavy to the black habits of Kiss and Alice Cooper. I respect Blackie's integrity, and desire to keep making metal. This is a solid album, but is still not black enough. If you are looking for maturity, or any innovation, you will not find it in 'Babylon'. I recommend sticking to the glorious, old school days.
W.A.S.P. are like AC/DC, Slayer, Kiss, etc., once they have found a sound which they can call their own, and market successively, they stick with it, dying for the word of mouth.
I will always honour the music, and the inspiration that W.A.S.P. has brought into my life, ever since I first heard the Sam Kinison inspired - "Animal (Fuck Like A Beast)" - on Metal Shop, in California, back in 1983. From that moment on, I felt the sting.
See
also review of: Golgotha ,
Dominator , The
Neon God Part I , The
Neon God Part II
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Performance
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Originality
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Production
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Vocals
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Songwriting
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7,5 |
5,5 |
8 |
7 |
7,5 |
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Summary
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7 chalices of 10 - Michael the MettleAngel |
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