In the neon-drenched, spandex-clad landscape of 1985, heavy metal was undergoing a curious transformation. Hairspray and power ballads were the order of the day, but amidst the glam and glitter, a few bands refused to compromise their raw, primal energy. W.A.S.P., led by the indomitable Blackie Lawless, was one such band. 'The Last Command', their sophomore album, was a defiant roar in the face of conformity, a reminder that heavy metal was still about rebellion, aggression, and unadulterated sonic mayhem.
Released on Capitol Records in 1985, 'The Last Command' arrived at a pivotal moment in W.A.S.P.'s career. Their self-titled debut had established them as a force to be reckoned with, a band that wasn't afraid to push boundaries and court controversy. With their follow-up, they doubled down on their signature sound, a ferocious blend of heavy metal thunder and punk rock attitude.
From the opening salvo of 'Wild Child', it was clear that W.A.S.P. was not here to play nice. Lawless' vocals were a primal scream, his lyrics a mix of social commentary and adolescent angst. The guitars, courtesy of Chris Holmes and Randy Piper, were a wall of distortion, while the rhythm section of Tony Richards and Blackie himself provided a relentless, pounding backbeat.
The album wasn't just about sonic assault, though. There was a dark, theatrical undercurrent to the music, a sense of danger and menace that set W.A.S.P. apart from their peers. Songs like 'Animal (Fuck Like a Beast)' and 'Blind in Texas' were celebrations of excess and rebellion, while 'Ballcrusher' and 'Fistful of Diamonds' tackled themes of power and greed.
Of course, controversy was never far from W.A.S.P.'s reach. The Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC), a group dedicated to censoring "offensive" music, took particular issue with 'Animal', deeming it obscene and harmful. The ensuing media circus only served to boost W.A.S.P.'s notoriety, solidifying their image as outlaws and provocateurs.
'The Last Command' was produced by the legendary Spencer Proffer, known for his work with Quiet Riot and other hard rock acts. The album was recorded at Music Grinder Studios in Los Angeles, a facility that had seen its fair share of heavy metal legends. Proffer's production was slick and powerful, capturing the raw energy of W.A.S.P.'s live performances while also adding a layer of polish that enhanced their sonic impact.
In the grand tapestry of heavy metal history, 'The Last Command' stands as a testament to W.A.S.P.'s unwavering commitment to their vision. It's an album that refused to compromise, an album that embraced the darkness and chaos of the human experience. It may not have been the most commercially successful album of its time, but it remains a cult classic, a reminder that even in the most manufactured of eras, true rebellion can still find a voice.
