W.A.S.P. Album: “The Crimson Idol”

I've recently discovered this album, and was completely blown away. I had written W.A.S.P. off as a hair band that was about nothing more than sex and violence (not that I have a big problem with that), but with that being said this is one of the most intelligent, multi-layered albums I have ever heard. Blackie Lawless oozes pure emotion on this album, more so than anyone else I can think of in the metal genre. His flair for amazing melodies that stick in your head is unprecedented, and your hunger will be so great to hear them all again that you'll find yourself just pressing repeat on your player and leaving it there for days.

The album is based on a semi-autobiographical story about a troubled youth growing up to become the star he wanted to be, and finding it to be more than he bargained for. Blackie taps into many different moods and still manages to weave all of the tracks together to tell a very mesmerizing and cohesive tale. This may very well be the greatest concept album of all-time. And just in case these words don't seem to carry any validity to you coming from someone who's credibility you know nothing about, it's up there with both Keeper albums by Helloween, head and shoulders above Mindcrime by Queensryche, and neck and neck with Seventh Son by Maiden...yes that's right, the granddaddy of all metal, the mighty Iron Maiden.

As far as this edition goes, it's quite a bargain for 2 discs and is worth every penny and much more. The true album is the first 10 tracks on disc 1, with the bonus being the spoken word 16 minute story of Jonathan, the title character. Disc 2 has some good bonus songs and demos, with a nice array of live extras from the earlier W.A.S.P. era. All this is well and good, especially since the price is the same as a single album, but in truth the original story is the treasure to be found here and should be listened to as a standalone product as it was meant to be in the first place. Buy this now and know true happiness.

Picture Pink Floyd's "The Wall", then mix in equal parts of black hopelessness, utter despair, and soul grabbing lyrics. Ouch....a true must have for any theme album fans.

This is a must have if you like W.A.S.P. This has all the best of the early music. And is a real gem to have. 2 CD's. and nothing but music. Good, Hard, And Heavy. But don't forget the Ballads. Yes I recommend it.

I will tell you why...this album is epic. The Crimson Idol is Blackie Lawless's brightest moment and yet his darkest. He released a masterpiece heavy metal concept album that doesn't get enough due credit for the sheer ammount of intensity and perfection (yes I said perfection). This was not my first W.A.S.P album, in fact, their debut was my first so in no way am I being biased on this review. The tracks flow almost flawlessly together, the vocals are in a league of their own, and the drums and guitars add to the overall intensity of the best that is The Crimson Idol. Very, very few albums can actually get a listener to fell emotion only based on the overall sound. This album is rare folks, but the story and the morals it teaches is something few people in this generation can understand. Don't wish for something, for their is always a consequence (Main character gets all the fame, the girls, the respect, the "love" yet he still has nothing.") Don't change who you are, stay true to yourself (Main character using the mirror to snort drugs.) This album was and still is in a class of its own. Very few albums will ever top this it is a true masterpiece. I would love to give more details but I would hate to run this story for the reviewer, so my recomendation for you is to listen to a few of the tracks. If you like the way it sounds, GO BUY THIS. Then listen to it again, but this time listen to the story, the main character, and listen to the morals.

This Concept Album From The Mad Mind Of Blackie Lawless Is The BEST That W.A.S.P Has Ever Put Out. From The Opening Riff, To The Closing Of The Story, You Will NOT Be Disappointed.