W.A.S.P - Dominator

  by Peter Allison

published: 21 / 9 / 2007

Label: Demolition Records
Format: CD

intro

Straight-to-the-point, but also surprisingly political new album from heroes of shock rock, W.A.S.P.

Although assured that Blackie Lawless did not intend W.A.S.P. to stand for White Anglo-Saxon Protestants, there is still some debate as what precisely W.A.S.P. means (During one interviewed he joked “We Ain’t Sure, Pal”). But this succinctly encapsulates the overall theme of W.A.S.P. Their intention is to have fun, and if they can make good music at the same time, so much the better. Renowned for their shock-rock antics on stage, I was curious to see how this would translate onto CD. I have been aware of their presence for sometime, yet had somehow missed their previous gigs. W.A.S.P., however, have added a surprising political edge – which is no bad thing - to their latest release, with many of the tracks themes commenting and reflecting upon America’s foreign policies. This political statement is most pronounced through the cover artwork, which deserves special mention for being a fitting cover to the album. Although criticism could be aimed at the short running time of just over 40 minutes; this is a defiantly lean album, with all the fat and unnecessary dross removed. It is a short, yet satisfying album. Extra content would have been appreciated, but if quality suffered, then it would lose a lot of the appeal. Opening with 'Mercy', this can only be described as rocking, with Blackie Lawless’s signature throaty vocals. This feature is a core focus of the album, and countered with waves of electric guitar. It does occasionally threaten to become stereotypical, through the numerous guitar solos. Thankfully, the album is saved from becoming a cliché through 'Heaven's Hung In Black' (and the later reprise version), a distinctly sombre note to the angrier aspects found throughout 'Dominator'. This diversion from the more atypical raucous lyrics works very well, and placed midway through the album acts as a suitable breather. Overall, 'Dominator' is an excellent, if short, album. While the running time may be short, the quality of pound per minute is very high; and in this case – less is most definitely more…

Track Listing:-