Dominator

Demolition

While the latest album from long running Los Angeles based Metal vets W.A.S.P. has yet to officially be released here in the states, diehard fans (myself included) are tired of the endless wait and have resorted to paying overtly high prices to get the import version. Let me start by saying it is worth every penny and then some. Dominator as it is called is by far the best work Blackie (Lawless) and Co have brought to the table since 2002’s Dying For the World (a highly underrated album in my opinion). Now that Blackie has delivered his double disc concept piece The Neon God Pt.’s 1 and 2 respectively he has returned to his roots with this latest masterpiece.

Now don’t get me wrong this is not to mistaken as a retro W.A.S.P. album by any means. True that the music is very reflective of the Headless Children era but Blackie is mature man these days and his lyrical content tends to be more and more political with each and every release. Let’s face it though it’s not the 80’s anymore and there isn’t exactly a lot to party about in today’s tattered and torn society. Our political structure is at an all time low and it is affecting everyone at different levels.

The CD starts of incredibly strong with “Mercy” a vintage sounding Metal tune with the trademark chugga chugga style guitar riffing. Following is a set of even paced rockers “Long, Long Way To Go” and “Take Me Up”. The albums tour de force though comes via the emotional epic “Heaven’s Hung In Black”. Blackie is at his best here with his always recognizable rasp. A haunting voice that after all these years still sends chills throughout my body. “Teacher” is probably the closest to old school W.A.S.P. that Dominator delivers with a definite ode to the bands very early years.

As with many of Blackie’s releases this album too comes off rather short boasting only nine tracks, one of them a reprise of “Heaven’s Hung In Black”. The album is nevertheless fulfilling in every other capacity and another very impressive feat of musical composition on Blackie’s part. The band welcomes two new members with this latest installment, drummer Mike Dupke and guitarist Doug Blair. If you’re a fan of W.A.S.P., I recommend spending the extra cash to get this one ASAP as it is just too damn good to put off any longer.

-Priest