Metal Warfare - Irish Metal Forum

Metal Discussion => Metal Discussion => Topic started by: Juggz on September 01, 2020, 09:33:27 PM

Title: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Juggz on September 01, 2020, 09:33:27 PM
Fuck it, there's enough going on in the purchases thread, Let's talk W.A.S.P.

I love the first 5 albums with The Headless Children being comfortably in my all-time list. Amazing album. The Crimson Idol took a long, long time to click but, yeah, it's class.

For some reason, I've been reluctant to dig beyond The Crimson Idol, is there anything worth picking up in the later years?

They were so much heavier live than on the albums and that Top Hat gig was something else. Johnny Rod must have been on all kinds of uppers in those days  :laugh:  I found this earlier on which brought back a lot of memories.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_nH1piOzWE
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: astfgyl on September 01, 2020, 10:10:01 PM
Having never heard a note of W.A.S.P before, I have The Headless Children on here now to see what's the story. The very-80s-ness of it sounds promising so far. Vocals are dangerously bordering on Bruce Dickinson though, and that's not a thing I expose myself to lightly. The music will have to be special to get me over that hump. The music is the solid finest so far
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: astfgyl on September 01, 2020, 11:12:10 PM
Got the whole way through it there. Much better than I expected and all I had to go on was a few pictures out of kerrang back in the day so that's unsurprising. I kept thinking it sounded really familiar and then it struck me...

...Devin Townsend
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Black Shepherd Carnage on September 01, 2020, 11:22:10 PM
Blackie Lawless had the ultimate 80s metal voice; nothing like Dickinson!
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Scáthach on September 01, 2020, 11:27:57 PM
If you're not careful he will steal your love. Was seriously miffed that their gig was cancelled and not rescheduled.  :'(
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: astfgyl on September 01, 2020, 11:30:54 PM
Quote from: Black Shepherd Carnage on September 01, 2020, 11:22:10 PM
Blackie Lawless had the ultimate 80s metal voice; nothing like Dickinson!

You're right and I take that back after listening to the full album. I was only on track 2 when I was typing that
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: The Heretic on September 01, 2020, 11:39:22 PM
Personally every album for me since Headless has been patchy...few good songs on each...but nothing that would make me sit through a whole album from start to finish...Blackie seemed to recycle riffs and songs had a certain style that became formulaic...just not the same band without Holmes....I know he was on KFD...but how much actually is up for debate....as an aside Shitting Bricks by Chris Holmes has been a regular on my playlist...sure his singing isn't up to scratch but the riffs and playing is savage........plus he's having a bit of craic........
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Carnage on September 02, 2020, 12:21:53 AM
The debut, The Last Command and The Headless Children are all 5/5 albums for me, I played them to death for years. I never took to Inside The Electric Circus for whatever reason and The Crimson Idol turned me off them altogether. The only one I liked since was the first Neon God album, but it was nowhere near the quality of their best '80s work.

I don't think I could bring myself to go see them now that he's gone all born again and cleaned up his lyrics.
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Black Shepherd Carnage on September 02, 2020, 01:13:47 AM
Haha, really? Amazing.
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Black Shepherd Carnage on September 02, 2020, 01:22:48 AM
Wow... properly surreal:
https://youtu.be/lq5UQ8gWU-A
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Caomhaoin on September 02, 2020, 01:41:15 AM
WASPs are the peeeeeple hi!
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Juggz on September 02, 2020, 06:55:52 AM
Quote from: Carnage on September 02, 2020, 12:21:53 AM

I don't think I could bring myself to go see them now that he's gone all born again and cleaned up his lyrics.
I went to see them again in Vicar Street a few years ago. It's just Blackie and some hired goons, of course, and he didn't get preachy to be fair to him. What was offputting is that he looks like an old woman now, in a similar way to Vinnie Vincent.

They didn't play much new stuff, that I can recall, and that Golgotha tune is enough to stop me searching any further.
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Eoin McLove on September 02, 2020, 08:12:46 AM
The Last Command is one hell of an album.
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Kurt Cocaine on September 02, 2020, 09:03:09 AM
Fuck Me. Suck Me. Eat Me Raw!
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: The Heretic on September 02, 2020, 09:57:35 AM
Quote from: Kurt Cocaine on September 02, 2020, 09:03:09 AM
Fuck Me. Suck Me. Eat Me Raw!

Manimal and Harder Faster are 2 deadly songs...written for and played on the live album only.....I've never heard of another band doing that?
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Pedrito on September 02, 2020, 11:31:29 AM
Quote from: Black Shepherd Carnage on September 02, 2020, 01:22:48 AM
Wow... properly surreal:
https://youtu.be/lq5UQ8gWU-A

Ok bear with me here but there's something so wonderfully American about that that it put a smile on my face. It follows in a kind of Country music tradition of the rebel outlaw type figure coming to redemption. A bit like Johnny Cash or one of these guys. Yes it's cheesy as fuck but the lad still has some voice on him and he's definitely not going through the motions with it either. Doubt I'll ever listen to it again but we can never write anything off. If Blackie Lawless can find god then anything's possible  :laugh:
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Pedrito on September 02, 2020, 11:33:43 AM
Jesus I need you now!!

Won't get that out of my head for the rest of the day  :laugh:
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Pedrito on September 02, 2020, 11:42:13 AM
As for WASP they are simply an incredible band, at least they were. The energy, the musicianship, the songs, the singing..all on a level that few bands would or could ever match. Blackie Lawless was a force of nature in his prime.  Love them fiest handful of records. The self titled so good..On Your Knees!

Helldorado worth a listen some good tunes on there.

Saturday Night Cockfight: what a song title. Don't Cry Just Suck also.
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Don Gately on September 02, 2020, 11:54:31 AM
Loved Live.. In the raw, Great band, the Headless Children was a big step forward in scope but it is the earlier stuff I return to.
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Black Shepherd Carnage on September 02, 2020, 12:35:04 PM
Quote from: Pedrito on September 02, 2020, 11:31:29 AM
Ok bear with me here but there's something so wonderfully American about that that it put a smile on my face. It follows in a kind of Country music tradition of the rebel outlaw type figure coming to redemption. A bit like Johnny Cash or one of these guys. Yes it's cheesy as fuck but the lad still has some voice on him and he's definitely not going through the motions with it either. Doubt I'll ever listen to it again but we can never write anything off. If Blackie Lawless can find god then anything's possible  :laugh:

Totally get you man, and I wasn't knocking the song per se in using the word surreal; it's just that it's genuinely a surreal experience for who I am today (more likely to pick up 'The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross' than the bible) to see Blackie Lawless sing that he needs Jesus, given that 25 years ago Jesus-praying early teen me* first heard of WASP via satanic panic literature and material that was very much present in my born-again upbringing. WASP were absolutely front and centre in that whole schtick, so I ended up with a weird taboo fascination with the conjured idea and image of them years before I ever managed to hear a note of their music. And now...this! Feels like a parallel universe.


* another wank-bank freebie image for you there Kev ;)


Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: jobrok1 on September 02, 2020, 12:52:02 PM
He could always pen a solid tune.

The biggest problem with the later albums was the weaker production.
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Pedrito on September 02, 2020, 12:56:44 PM
Quote from: Black Shepherd Carnage on September 02, 2020, 12:35:04 PM
Quote from: Pedrito on September 02, 2020, 11:31:29 AM
Ok bear with me here but there's something so wonderfully American about that that it put a smile on my face. It follows in a kind of Country music tradition of the rebel outlaw type figure coming to redemption. A bit like Johnny Cash or one of these guys. Yes it's cheesy as fuck but the lad still has some voice on him and he's definitely not going through the motions with it either. Doubt I'll ever listen to it again but we can never write anything off. If Blackie Lawless can find god then anything's possible  :laugh:

Totally get you man, and I wasn't knocking the song per se in using the word surreal; it's just that it's genuinely a surreal experience for who I am today (more likely to pick up 'The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross' than the bible) to see Blackie Lawless sing that he needs Jesus, given that 25 years ago Jesus-praying early teen me* first heard of WASP via satanic panic literature and material that was very much present in my born-again upbringing. WASP were absolutely front and centre in that whole schtick, so I ended up with a weird taboo fascination with the conjured idea and image of them years before I ever managed to hear a note of their music. And now...this! Feels like a parallel universe.


* another wank-bank freebie image for you there Kev ;)


It's without doubt surreal and it's all so wrong in many ways  :laugh: it's funny despite being raised Catholic that I'd nearly be more worried that someone tells me they converted or they're mad into religion than if they told me they were alcoholic, on drugs, deprssed, which, again, is odd in and of itself.
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Juggz on September 02, 2020, 01:15:25 PM
I'm the same. There's something profoundly disturbing about the overtly religious, it creeps me out completely.
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: The Heretic on September 02, 2020, 01:31:48 PM
I'm assuming that every royalty Blackie gets nowadays from Fk Like A Beast now goes to charity then to keep Jesus sweet? Or does Jesus go out the window when it comes down to business?
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Juggz on September 02, 2020, 01:33:41 PM
It doesn't go to Chris Holmes, that's for sure. He reckons Blackie screwed him out of loads of royalties.
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Black Shepherd Carnage on September 02, 2020, 02:10:01 PM
Has there ever been a tour with Stryper? If not, this is surely the time for WASP and the yellow and black attack to unite under Christ  :laugh:
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: DyslucsicJK on September 03, 2020, 01:59:25 AM
Gotta reign in here,

W.A.S.P. Are one of my all time favourite bands, I always seen them as the scumbag version of bon jovi as a kid.

Fucking hated them!

The headless Children, ....so much to love , local pub in the 80s had Karnov  arcade machine and jukebox had wasp, iron maiden, big country, ac/dc, etc, records!!!
Anyway that was class in 88, And still is!!!!


WASP - Babylon is the closest to the classic 80s
Give or take its actually class WASP!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V57cpISbTYs
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Pedrito on September 03, 2020, 02:39:36 PM
Quote from: DyslucsicJK on September 03, 2020, 01:59:25 AM
Gotta reign in here,

W.A.S.P. Are one of my all time favourite bands, I always seen them as the scumbag version of bon jovi as a kid.

Fucking hated them!

The headless Children, ....so much to love , local pub in the 80s had Karnov  arcade machine and jukebox had wasp, iron maiden, big country, ac/dc, etc, records!!!
Anyway that was class in 88, And still is!!!!


WASP - Babylon is the closest to the classic 80s
Give or take its actually class WASP!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V57cpISbTYs

Sounds class JK!
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: astfgyl on September 04, 2020, 09:02:41 AM
Listened to The Crimson Idol a couple of times over the last few days. It's pretty decent.
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Rocky on September 07, 2020, 12:55:30 PM
Quote from: Black Shepherd Carnage on September 02, 2020, 12:35:04 PM
Quote from: Pedrito on September 02, 2020, 11:31:29 AM
Ok bear with me here but there's something so wonderfully American about that that it put a smile on my face. It follows in a kind of Country music tradition of the rebel outlaw type figure coming to redemption. A bit like Johnny Cash or one of these guys. Yes it's cheesy as fuck but the lad still has some voice on him and he's definitely not going through the motions with it either. Doubt I'll ever listen to it again but we can never write anything off. If Blackie Lawless can find god then anything's possible  :laugh:

Totally get you man, and I wasn't knocking the song per se in using the word surreal; it's just that it's genuinely a surreal experience for who I am today (more likely to pick up 'The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross' than the bible) to see Blackie Lawless sing that he needs Jesus, given that 25 years ago Jesus-praying early teen me* first heard of WASP via satanic panic literature and material that was very much present in my born-again upbringing. WASP were absolutely front and centre in that whole schtick, so I ended up with a weird taboo fascination with the conjured idea and image of them years before I ever managed to hear a note of their music. And now...this! Feels like a parallel universe.


* another wank-bank freebie image for you there Kev ;)


I saw a guy protesting with a big cross outside the last WASP gig in Belfast a few years ago. Clearly didn't get the memo about Blackie changing his ways  :laugh:
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Kurt Cocaine on September 07, 2020, 07:32:39 PM
Blackie interview...

https://youtu.be/IMDE9RHAdnA
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: jobrok1 on September 17, 2020, 07:34:46 PM
Was doing a bit of driving today, so dug out the first 5 albums to keep me company.
My CD copies are re-issued versions with b-sides and live extras.
Perfect driving albums, to be fair.
Was bellowing along with a shit eating grin on my face all afternoon.

Probably wouldn't have even bothetedxwith them if it weren't for this thread    :abbath: :abbath: :abbath:
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Mithrandir on November 18, 2024, 01:27:45 AM
W.A.S.P chose an interesting way to end their set last night in NYC  :laugh:

(https://i.ibb.co/rf2VGqZ/20241118-105938.png)[/url]

Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Carnage on November 18, 2024, 05:44:40 AM
The early years boxset is getting a CD release, I might have to nab it:

https://sleazeroxx.com/w-a-s-p-to-release-the-7-savage-1984-1992-box-set-on-cd-on-january-17th/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGm7K1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVm0KTsefUR__GquhkD5HMD4Ev-Bj6qHPuy_wbVOSaxuqonjbIBY0RXrLg_aem_3z3DmNnhmpPmOdGhAoUmuw
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: jobrok1 on November 18, 2024, 08:22:59 AM
The LP set is crazy expensive, so might have to do the same.
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Anvil on November 18, 2024, 09:32:11 AM
Great set for anyone just getting into WASP.   Don't think I could justify buying it just for the Bonus Tracks & B-sides as I have the rest.
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Carnage on November 18, 2024, 09:46:40 AM
I had the first four on tape back then, the only one I have on CD now is The Headless Children so it'd be one for me, depending on the price.
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Necro Red on November 18, 2024, 10:09:37 AM
That looks cool especially with a small book included.
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Don Gately on November 18, 2024, 10:13:04 AM
Great band first four records especially
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: The Heretic on November 18, 2024, 10:52:37 AM
Quote from: Mithrandir on November 18, 2024, 01:27:45 AMW.A.S.P chose an interesting way to end their set last night in NYC  :laugh:

(https://i.ibb.co/rf2VGqZ/20241118-105938.png)[/url]


Huge WASP fan but fuck that shit! What a way to alienate part of your audience!
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Eoin McLove on November 18, 2024, 11:19:34 AM
I've never seen Wasp live. His voice sounds fairly ripping in that clip!
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: The Heretic on November 18, 2024, 12:16:08 PM
Quote from: Eoin McLove on November 18, 2024, 11:19:34 AMI've never seen Wasp live. His voice sounds fairly ripping in that clip!

There's a good chance he's lip synching..
Title: Re: W.A.S.P.
Post by: Sworntothecans on November 18, 2024, 12:17:59 PM
Quote from: The Heretic on November 18, 2024, 10:52:37 AM
Quote from: Mithrandir on November 18, 2024, 01:27:45 AMW.A.S.P chose an interesting way to end their set last night in NYC  :laugh:

(https://i.ibb.co/rf2VGqZ/20241118-105938.png)[/url]


Huge WASP fan but fuck that shit! What a way to alienate part of your audience!

Blackie has been like that since after Helldorado when he got all Jesus-y so wasn't surprised one bit.