W.A.S.P. - Dying For The World
Metal-Is
Heavy Metal
10 songs (50:36)
Release year: 2002
W.A.S.P.
Reviewed by Jeff
Album of the month

W.A.S.P. has been around for over 18 years now. Despite numerous line-up changes, they have continued to provide fans with some great music. Blackie Lawless is the only original member left. He is W.A.S.P. He is the driving force and fuel that helps feed the fire for the band to carry on.

Whenever I hear that a new W.A.S.P. album is due for release, I anxiously await with much anticipation as to what it will sound like. Ever since "The Headless Children" release, W.A.S.P. has continued to use a formula and style of writing that seems to have been somewhat consistent. So when listening to "Dying For The World", I could easily make references and comparisons to albums like "The Headless Children", "The Crimson Idol", "Unholy Terror", "Still Not Black Enough" and even the classic debut. "Dying For The World" is a mutt mix of all these records. It's heavy, driving and sure not to disappoint. It's a demonstration of inspiration through aggression. The album was actually inspired by letters received from troops who fought in the Gulf War. "Dying For The World" was produced by Blackie Lawless and mixed by Bill Metoyer (Armored Saint, Lizzy Borden, Fates Warning, Slayer, Six Feet Under, Flotsam and Jetsam). The cover has the abstract, dark, look of albums like Slayer's "Season's In The Abyss","South of Heaven" and "Reign In Blood".

"Shadow Man" is the first single from the album. It's a mid-tempo rocker with some Black Sabbath like riffing as well as guitar solos reminiscent of Chris Holmes style.

"My Wicked Heart" reminds me a lot of the songs "Thunderhead" and "L.O.V.E. Machine". Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot) once again helps out Blackie Lawless on the drums.

The throttling, banshee like wails of Blackie Lawless have never been pushed to the limit until a song like "Hell For Eternity". The beginning of this song reminds me of "B.A.D." before it picks up in speed. The hi-hats really stick out in the mix of this song.

One of my favorite songs on this CD is "Revengeance". It's got "The Heretic" and "The Hellion" written all over it. It's fast paced, aggressive and angry! This is W.A.S.P. at their best!

The track "Trail of Tears" has an American Indian feel to it. The drums follow a repetitive pattern that is tribal and ritualistic in sound. One of the slower tracks on the album.

"Stone Cold Killers" is another upbeat track that sounds like "Murders In the Rue Morgue". W.A.S.P. continues their use of Hammond Organ Keyboard sounds on this song.

There are two versions of the ballad "Hallowed Ground". The first one is more of a slow power ballad in the vein of songs like "Forever Free" or "Sleeping In The Fire". It has some heavy electric rhythm guitar power chords, bass and drums. The second version is a mix of clean electric guitar and acoustic guitar, no drums or bass.

I've got to give Blackie Lawless a lot of credit for still sounding as fresh today as he did back in 1984. For someone who sings the way he does, it just amazes me how good his vocals can still sound. This album will sink in after only a few listens. Another W.A.S.P album well worth the wait!

Killing Songs :
Shadow Man, My Wicked Heart, Hell For Eternity, Revengeance, Stone Cold Killers
Jeff quoted 93 / 100
Other albums by W.A.S.P. that we have reviewed:
W.A.S.P. - Double Live Assassins reviewed by Ben and quoted no quote
W.A.S.P. - K.F.D. reviewed by Ben and quoted 75 / 100
W.A.S.P. - Golgotha reviewed by Andy and quoted 84 / 100
W.A.S.P. - Babylon reviewed by Marty and quoted 85 / 100
W.A.S.P. - Dominator reviewed by Jeff and quoted 75 / 100
To see all 12 reviews click here
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