W.A.S.P. | Golgotha

by Matt Karpe
– Senior Columnist —

It’s been six long years since Babylon, W.A.S.P.’s last studio release, in part due to Blackie Lawless’ visits to hospital for reconstructive shoulder surgery and then later a broken leg.

Continuing with the biblical themed album titles, Golgotha– the site where Christ was crucified outside of Jerusalem’s walls, is the brand new album, W.A.S.P.’s 15th album in total, so has it been worth the six year wait? You bet.

1992 album The Crimson Idol has often been considered the bands greatest ever album, but Golgotha may just match it, if not even surpass it. A surprising statement I know, but it is that damn good. Nine tracks totaling just under 55 minutes- this rampaging Heavy Metal record has no filler, just classic Blackie penned explosive anthems.

“Scream” opens things up in classic W.A.S.P. style, with energetic drum work from Mike Dupke and hard melodic guitar hooks from the album’s show stealer Doug Blair. Lawless’ distinctive dystopian vocal range is as good as ever and the first of many stunning guitar solos puts the icing firmly on the cake.

“Last Runaway” has a more polished AOR feel with a hint of (dare I say it) Bon Jovi. It’s still hard rocking but there is a tinge of mainstream to the track that sees a lighter mood to the normal darkness.

“Fallen Under”, with its heavy bass line and dominating drums is another excellent outing, followed by “Slaves of the New World Order” which sees a trip back to the early 90s’. Full of metallic riffs and unforgiving attitude- it’s a song that would fit nicely onto The Crimson Idol, and the anthemic chorus is again a high point.

“Hero Of the World” and “Shotgun” are solid head bangers but there are three stand outs on Golgotha, and they are three of W.A.S.P.’s best ever songs.

“Eyes Of My Maker” oozes quality guitar hooks, and Blackie’s heartfelt vocals and lyrics are impressive. Once again the customary guitar solos are sublime.

“Golgotha,” continuing with the religious references, with a haunting multi-layered epic that is the perfect album closer. The lyric “Jesus I Need You Now” might be something you would never think possible to come out of Blackie Lawless’ mouth, but his openness to his new found beliefs are to be admired and if that means his song writing continues in this fashion, then it can only be a good thing.

The only song left to mention is the absolutely sensational “Miss You.” A near eight-minute masterpiece, starting with a delicate opening and impassioned vocals gives the feeling that something special is coming, and when the second chorus kicks in and the volume rises, everything falls perfectly into place. It feels like the early 90s, and you can tell that the song was originally written to go on The Crimson Idol. How it failed to make the final cut is a mystery, but in 2015, the song still sounds fresh and with nearly five minutes worth of the best guitar solos you will ever hear, “Miss You” is one of the greatest heavy metal ballads of all time.

Golgotha is cohesive and extremely vital in today’s heavy metal soundscape, and W.A.S.P. continue to show younger bands how to do it properly. If you think your band has the best guitarist, measure them up against Doug Blair, because the guitar work on Golgotha is incredible and absolutely flawless. If your band has a great drummer, are they really as good as Mike Dupke, who is on form time and time again. Is your bass player on par with Mike Duda? I doubt it, and is your lead singer up to the standard of Blackie Lawless? IMPOSSIBLE.

W.A.S.P. still have a deadly sting, Black Lawless is a true Heavy Metal legend and Golgotha is the best album of 2015.

Genre: Heavy Metal

Band:
Blackie Lawless- Vocals
Doug Blair- Guitar
Mike Duda- Bass
Mike Dupke- Drums

Track Listing:
1. Scream
2. Last Runaway
3. Shotgun
4. Miss You
5. Fallen Under
6. Slaves Of the New World Order
7. Eyes Of My Maker
8. Hero Of the World
9. Golgotha

Record Label: Napalm Records

Website: www.waspnation.com

Hardrock Haven Rating: 9.5/10