No jokes about insects to be found here!
W.A.S.P have been around for a long time and it shows. Not through wrinkles and ‘aging rocker’ type hissy fits, but through the ability to pump so much energy into a song just under 5 minutes long that it is on the verge of exploding. Unlike some artists, Blackie Lawless has never lost sight of his goal and the result is: 'The Neon God pt2: The Demise’- an album taut with complex ideas and guitars which scream for your attention. Blackie’s unique voice helps stamp that distinctly W.A.S.P stamp onto the final product.
The album begins with ‘Never Say Die’, a swirling explosion of finely tuned brilliance. It’s a fantastic start to the nine track declaration of the world today. ‘The Demise’ highlights the husky warblings of the energetic front man who even flew back to his studios whilst on tour. It’s an epic mid paced track set alight by its slow beginning.
20 years at this game has given W.A.S.P those cunning, yet valuable tricks needed to create a two part album which isn’t disastrous. This is the kind of album many a younger band will look up to for years to come.
Dipping into the shallow waters of a slow song so soon is a little risky, yet ‘Clockwork Mary’ is still quietly powerful; the overlooked girl at the back of the music class who suddenly explodes into the type of voice dreams are made of. Similarly, the song leaps into action after its haunting start and provides a ferocious springboard for ‘Tear Down the Walls’ to begin from. Highlighting the talented Darrell Roberts’ guitar playing, its an upbeat track guaranteed to be received well in a live setting.
After the raucous ‘Come Back to Black’, the smooth roll of Blackie’s vocals against the curve of guitar means ‘All My Life’ is a welcome change. With a decidedly haunting sound, it’s a prime example of a rocker's lament performed with style and flair.
The desperation of ‘Destiny’s To Come’ is simple to pick out, but ‘The Neon God’ works on a much deeper level simultaneously. Glanced over quickly, it’s a thrilling collection of slamming guitars and howling vocals sliced through with impressive work from behind Stet Howland’s drum kit. A look at the lyrics reveals not only a keyhole glimpse at Lawless himself, but also a clear view of both today’s society and the individual. This is intelligent, powerful rock music at its best.