CD REVIEW: W.A.S.P. – Golgotha

Label: Napalm Records

Release Date: October 2, 2015

Rating: 9.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

80’s metal is alive and well… and the latest release from W.A.S.P. is more than 50 minutes of audio proof.  Building on the biblical themes of the bands last release, 2009’s Babylon, Blackie Lawless has written nine great tracks for the first release from these guys in six years.  Disc opener “Scream” features killer riffs, a chugging rhythm section, and the vocals all W.A.S.P. fans have come to know and love.  Blackie sounds as good as he ever has, albeit more mature based on the lyrics.  “Last Runaway” has a different feel than the previous track, but the groove is tight and builds on the mood of the first track.  The drums on this track lead the charge and keep the song flowing while a catchy chorus gets you singing along.  “Miss You” brings a different groove to the collection with an emotionally charged ballad that doesn’t lull you to sleep.  The solo gives this track a cool rock feel without detracting from the mellower mood of the track.  “Slaves Of The New World Order” is a cool track that picks up the pace and intensity of the disc.  The drumming is thunderous, while the guitars and bass build a foundation for Blackie’s vocals.  Pay close attention to the guitar work that weaves itself in and out of the choruses.  “Hero Of The World” is a mellow rocker that rests somewhere between straight-ahead rocker and ballad, that leans to the softer side at the verse, but turns it up to 11 at the chorus and bridge.

“Shotgun” has all the makings of a great live track, with great vocals, a killer tempo and some of the best guitar work on the disc.  The solos at the bridge and during the run at the end are full of great fret work that ties the bands past and future.  “Fallen Under” opens slowly and unfolds gently, until the vocals of Lawless and the musical accompaniment come charging at you.  The chugging riffs and pounding rhythm section keep this song rolling along and builds the sound of the disc.  “Eyes Of My Maker” is a heavier track lyrically, and the playing carries that theme into the sonic components of the song.  Lawless sings his way through this killer track and uses his voice to bring the message and importance of the track to life while the guitars scream and soar in the background.  Closing the disc with the title track is a ballsy move- but Blackie’s career has been built on ballsy moves.  The feel and message of the track are not lost by its placement in the tracklisting, as it helps tie together the other songs and bring the collection to an end with some of the strongest vocals on the disc, great solos that enhance the songs vibe and texture.  I cannot wait to see which of these track wind up in the bands live set when they hit the road to support the release.

​​​​​Tracklisting: Scream – Last Runaway – Shotgun – Miss You – Fallen Under – Slaves Of The New World Order – Eyes Of My Maker – Hero Of The World – Golgotha

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Category: CD Reviews