Band:	W.A.S.P.
Album:	W.A.S.P.
Style:	Heavy metal
Release date:	August 17, 1984
Guest review by:	Doc G.

Disc I
01. Animal (Fuck Like A Beast) [reissue bonus]
02. I Wanna Be Somebody
03. L.O.V.E. Machine
04. The Flame
05. B.A.D.
06. School Daze
07. Hellion
08. Sleeping (In The Fire)
09. On Your Knees
10. Tormentor
11. The Torture Never Stops
12. Show No Mercy [reissue bonus]
13. Paint It Black [Rolling Stones cover] [reissue bonus]

Disc II [deluxe edition bonus]
01. Animal (Fuck Like A Beast) [12" A-Side]
02. Show No Mercy [12" B-Side]
03. Paint It Black [Rolling Stones cover] [7" B-Side]
04. On Your Knees [live]
05. Hellion [live]

When using the phrase "humble beginnings", people were obviously not referring to W.A.S.P., as this album is often referred to as the band at their best.

The term 'Glam Metal' is most suited towards a band like W.A.S.P. Unlike many of the so called 'Glam Metal' bands of the 80's, W.A.S.P. were actually Glam but still kept a Heavy Metal sound. Most people own the newest version of the album, including the previously banned track 'Animal (Fuck Like A Beast)', an obviously raunchy track that is said to be the cause of Tipper Gores starting up the PMRC (Parents Music Resource Center). The original version of the album on the other hand kicks off with the track 'I Wanna Be Somebody', with a quick snare roll the song breaks in with barely the presence of an intro, immediately pulling you into one hell of an energetic metal anthem. Not a bad way to kick off a career. With little chance to catch your breath thundering drums kick in for a slightly darker, more sinister sounding song entitled 'L.O.V.E. Machine' (watch the music video to fully get the dark sinister feeling behind this song). The energy only slows down once, with a very emotionally intense ballad: 'Sleeping In The Fire'. Normally I'm not a fan of ballads, but Blackie has got such a great range the feeling of this song comes through with incredible power.

There are only two main problems I find the album has, both of which are very small problems. The first being the track 'B.A.D.', a very forgettable song that has "filler track" written all over it. The second problem being the closing track ('The Torture Never Stops'), though it has a great rhythm the lyrics are absolutely dreadful. After an entire album of great metal anthems like 'I Wanna Be Somebody' and 'Hellion' to close the album on such a mediocre note is pretty depressing.

Though I disagree that this is W.A.S.P. at there best, and that the best is the album following this one, it is still a great album and it is a must have for anyone with the slightest interest in W.A.S.P.