Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
W.A.S.P.
Title
The Neon God - Part 2: The Demise
Type
LP/EP
Company
Sanctuary Records
YOR
2004
Style
Hard Rock
11/1/2004 - Review by: Ken Pierce
This tale itself would make a good metal movie
Chapter 2 of Blackie Lawless latest opus has just been released and it is a continuation along the same lines musically as the first. Guitarist Darrell Roberts not only manages to kick some serious guitar ass on the CD, but he is very involved in the production of the piece. Originally I was hesitant at his replacing Chris Holmes who I am so used to even a couple of years after his departure. However, hearing these now 3 albums he has done with the band and seeing them live makes me say what a great addition he is to the lineup. He is a commanding presence onstage as well.

Also returning is Bassist Mike Duda and Drummer Stet Howland. The credits list Stet as being the sole drummer percussionist on the piece, however there are internet interviews with former session man and Quiet Riot great Frankie Banali that lead us to believe he was simply deleted from the credits and is present on the recordings. Blackie has not countered this claim to my knowledge.

So this CD while very good, does really require you listen to the first half in order to fully absorb and appreciate the tale Blackie is spinning for you. The first half spoke of Jessie Slane’s rise to his status as the Neon God. This time is the fall of this very same character. So far one of my most favored tracks are “Ressurrection”, “Tear Down The Walls”, “The Last Redemption” and “Come Back To Black”. To me they captured the quintessential W.A.S.P. feel. Blackie has been one of those performers who is lucky enough to have his voice stay in the same power and his song-writing skills improve across the years. This tale itself would make a good metal movie I think.

I did like this record as I am generally prone to do for W.A.S.P. material however I did have some minor criticisms. There are no pictures of the band in the booklet and I think that given WASP is still such a visual band it would have been good to showcase the current lineup. All the lyrics are inside as well as the continued storyline which helps one conclude the tale started by the first part on “The Rise” which was released early in the Summer. I also had some reservations on the decision to make this a two-parter. I notice a trend in people buying CD’s of their favorite bands these days and few are willing to continually take a chance. W.A.S.P. fans are legion and perhaps would buy it no matter what, but I feel the unschooled new fan might only buy one and pass on the other. In any event this is a must have for the ardent fan and make sure you go to see them live since the group still kicks ass.

  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    4 :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: W.A.S.P.
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
The Neon God - Part 1: The Rise
2004
Sanctuary Records
Frank Hill6/9/2004
4
The Neon God - Part 2: The Demise
2004
Sanctuary Records
Ken Pierce11/1/2004
4
The Sting-DVD
2002
EMI
Ken Pierce6/16/2004
-

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: W.A.S.P.
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


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