The Last Command

The Last Command is the second album on which W.A.S.P., while keeping its native provocative momentum, brought greater melody and rich drama into the songs. Inheriting the debut’s success, it refines its musicality further. Blackie Lawless’s voice expresses not only ferocity but richer emotions such as sorrow and urgency, and the two guitars of Chris Holmes and Randy Piper support that world thickly and powerfully. The overwhelming openness of the classic opener “Wild Child,” one of the band’s finest, and the catchy momentum of the live-favorite “Blind in Texas” symbolize this album. From the aggression of “Widowmaker” and the shadow of “Cries in the Night” to the title track “The Last Command,” the songs vividly show that the band’s expression is by no means one-directional. Its appeal is clearly feeling the sure songwriting strength behind the provocative, extreme appearance. The exquisite balance of aggression and catchy melody feels good. Inheriting the debut’s momentum while raising the polish, it is one of the fulfilling works representative of early W.A.S.P. — Holmes’s guitar also in sharp form.