Search - Wasp :: Crimson Idol

One of those albums that is only made once in a lifetime

Renegade | 06/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this is truely a masterpiece of metal and rock, with beautiful acoustic work and lyrics that could churn anyone. this is truely a masterpiece, after 1 listen i would rank this CD in my top 10 of my 350 CD's, it is a masterpiece, fad followers, whimps and posers, steer clear..... BUT those who appreciate music at its finest... its VERY FINEST... BUY THIS CD.

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it is one of those records that 99.9% of artists and bands could never have a prayer of making... even great acts... this song is an epic journey through a life that opitimises youth to death,,, buy!!!!



THE PINNACLE OF METAL AND ROCK!, THE PINNACLE OF WASP"

What a concept album should be!

George Antonio | USA | 05/30/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When people think of conceptual albums, they tend to be slightly turned off by the idea. Only certain bands have been able to pull them off in the past (Pink Floyd, The Beatles, etc) but in the confines of heavy metal, it is a risk few are willing to take.



Enter Blackie Lawless and W.A.S.P. With an album originally sought to be a solo effort by Lawless, "The Crimson Idol" has quickly become perhaps the finest W.A.S.P. recording to ever grace the metal world! The album itself tells the story of a man named Jonathan, who's main goal in life is to become a rock star and will stop at nothing to accomplish this goal. In the end, the fame and fortune prove to be too much, but the album leaves the future of Jonathon up to what the listener wants to believe. It is an album that provides not only a great narrative, but has the musical prowess to back it up!



1. The Titanic Oveture - A heavy instrumental to begin the album that really fuses everything together that the listener can expect throughout the course of the album. Well done track that kind of makes you wish it was developed into its own song. 4/5



2. The Invisible Boy - The first official "song" on the album, and it is just pure rock 'n roll! Heavy and un-relenting as Blackie pours every emotion into it lyrically. A song that is hauntingly dark, yet inspires the listener to join Jonathon on his journey and hope he succeeds. 5/5



3. Arena of Pleasure - Continuing with the heavy theme, this song focuses on Jonathon and his wishes to be a successful rock star! This song, it feels, was more focused on telling the story and less on getting the music to correspond with it. Good song, but may take awhile to fully appreciate with the rest of the album. 4/5



4. Chainsaw Charlie (Murders In The New Morgue) - Perhaps the best track on the album lyrically and instrumentaly. This is a song that is just pure raw emotion all the way through. Telling the story of how corrupt and political the music business really is, "Charlie" is the producer out to screw his clients at any cost to get more money. A very solid track that can even shine without the rest of the album to support it. 5/5



5. The Gypsy Meets The Boy - Listeners may recognize the riff from an earlier work if they own "The Headless Children." It has been re-expanded and revamped to fit beautifully into the concept of this album. From what I have read too, it was actually based off a true real life encounter with Blackie himself. A song that is hauntingly dark, yet strangely peaceful as well. 4.5/5



6. Doctor Rockter - This is my personel favorite track on the album. In the essence of "Chainsaw Charlie", this song returns to that heavy form. A song that just kicks both musically and lyrically. 5/5



7. I Am One - I love the way this song was put together! The hooks in this song come into play a little later, and really is an essential part in the whole story-telling of the album. May take a listen or two in order to really stick, but is definetly an awesome song. 4.5/5



8. The Idol - This is the song that really starts to put the entire album together. The story has really come into full-swing by now and the listener begins to feel sorry for what Jonathon has become. A fairly long track that brings the listener on a ride, in many ways completely separate from the rest of the album! 5/5



9. Hold On To My Heart - Ah, the "ballad" that is required within every metal album! But you know what, this song was very essential and put together extremely well. This song brings the entire emotional aspect to the forefront and TRUELY displays what Jonathon is feeling. 4.5/5



10. The Great MisConceptions of Me - This is the song! I mean this is The Song! The track that ties the whole thing together! From the beginning to the very end, nothing that the album touched upon, is left out here. It is almost as if this song brings the listener on a ride that recaps the whole album and then adds more near the end. What happens to Jonathon is really left for the listener to decide. A final track that I believe is a classic in and of itself; shows that all the work and dedication Blackie poured into the album, has finally acheived what it intended to.. pure perfection! 5/5



11. The Story of Jonathon - This track is of Blackie telling the story of Jonathon. Whats written on the inside booklet, is what's said here. Nothing outstanding, but still something different than many might not have expected. 3.5/5



I won't cover the second disc, as the album itself is worth the buy. Once you own the album, you can appreciate the second disc as a nice bonus along with the already outstanding "Crimson Idol" and story of a man named Jonathon!



This album is a must-own for any fans of not just W.A.S.P. but of metal itself! This album is actually the album that inspired me to become a musician and write my own songs! Get it now, you won't regret it!"

Great Conceptual Album

Beandog | Clinton, IA | 07/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sticking strictly with the original album - The Crimson Idol is a "must have" for any hard rock/metal fan. Blackie made one of the 2 GREAT concept albums of this time, the other being Queensryches's Operation Mindcrime.

Yes, I will agree that the story may be somewhat "cheesy" - with the rock n roll cliches. HOWEVER, the songs themselves are great. The Invisible Boy, Chainsaw Charlie, Doctor Rockter, I Am One and Hold On To My Heart are definitely highlights.

This album is pure power. One thing of note is Stet Howland & Frankie Banali drumming their guts out.

W.A.S.P./Blackie Lawless' best work."