In the mid-1980s, heavy metal was undergoing a transformative era. The genre, already known for its rebellious spirit and loud, aggressive sound, was embracing a new level of theatricality and spectacle. Bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest had set high bars for both musical prowess and stage performance. Amidst this vibrant scene, a band emerged from the chaos and cacophony of the Los Angeles metal scene, destined to leave a lasting impact: W.A.S.P.
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In the early 80s, heavy metal was at a pivotal juncture. The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) had crossed the Atlantic, influencing a generation of American bands to push the envelope in terms of both sound and stage presence. It was an era of excess, where bands were not just musicians but larger-than-life figures whose off-stage antics were as talked about as their music. This was the backdrop against which W.A.S.P. released their self-titled debut album in 1984.
W.A.S.P., led by the enigmatic and controversial Blackie Lawless, burst onto the scene with a blend of hard-hitting riffs, anthemic choruses, and shocking stage shows. Blackie Lawless, born Stephen Edward Duren, had a musical journey that took him from the churches of Staten Island, where he was a born-again Christian at age 11, to the occult studies of his teenage years. Before forming W.A.S.P., Lawless had stints in various bands, including New York Dolls offshoot Killer Kane and Sister, which featured future W.A.S.P. guitarist Randy Piper and a young Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe.
W.A.S.P.’s formation was marked by a series of lineup changes typical of many bands in the volatile LA scene. By 1982, the lineup had solidified around Lawless, Piper, drummer Tony Richards, and guitarist Chris Holmes.
Released in August 1984, W.A.S.P.’s self-titled debut album encapsulated everything that made the band notorious: shock rock theatrics, controversial lyrics, and anthemic metal hooks. The album opener “Animal (F*** Like a Beast)” immediately set the tone with its provocative title and raw energy. Though the song was too controversial for their label, Capitol Records, it was released through an independent label, Music for Nations, becoming an underground hit.
The album features some of W.A.S.P.‘s most enduring tracks, including “I Wanna Be Somebody,” a defiant anthem of self-empowerment that resonated with countless disaffected youth. “Love Machine” showcased the band’s knack for combining catchy melodies with hard rock intensity, while “Sleeping (In the Fire)” offered a glimpse of their ability to write slower, more melodic songs without losing their edge.
W.A.S.P.‘s live shows were legendary for their shock value. Lawless would drink blood from a skull, throw raw meat into the audience, and perform with a codpiece adorned with a saw blade. These antics, combined with the band’s aggressive sound, attracted both fans and detractors. The Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC), led by Tipper Gore, targeted W.A.S.P. as part of their infamous “Filthy Fifteen” list, condemning their lyrics and stage performances as corrupting influences on America’s youth.
Despite (or perhaps because of) the controversy, W.A.S.P.’s popularity soared. They toured with major acts like Kiss, Iron Maiden, and Slayer, bringing their brand of theatrical metal to arenas across the globe.
W.A.S.P.‘s debut album didn’t just make waves; it helped define the metal scene of the 80s. Their blend of theatricality and raw musical power influenced countless bands that followed. Blackie Lawless’ unique voice and the band’s knack for combining catchy hooks with heavy riffs, set a template for what would become known as hair metal.
Even as metal evolved through the grunge-dominated 90s and beyond, W.A.S.P. remained a relevant force. Albums like “The Headless Children” and “The Crimson Idol” further cemented their legacy, showcasing their ability to adapt while staying true to their roots.
For fans of 80s metal, revisiting W.A.S.P.‘s debut album is a trip back to a time when music was raw, rebellious, and unapologetically theatrical. Whether you’re reliving memories or discovering the band for the first time, “W.A.S.P.” offers a powerful reminder of the era’s energy and creativity. So, dust off that old vinyl, crank up the volume, and let Blackie Lawless and company take you on a wild ride through one of metal’s most electrifying periods.
Songs in this Episode
Intro - Animal (Fuck Like a Beast)
33:59 - B.A.D.
36:03 - L.O.V.E. Machine
40:20 - I Wanna Be Somebody
41:28 - The Flame
46:30 - Sleeping (In the Fire)
Outro - Tormentor
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W.A.S.P. - W.A.S.P. | 80s Metal Revisited