THE NEON GOD Part 1: The Rise
Whever I see another package with an advance copy of a W.A.S.P release, or a
press release announcing a new W.A.S.P. disc, I'm that much more convinced that frontman/founder Blackie Lawless has no life outside of making music.
The Neon God Part 1: The Rise marks the latest concept album journey Blackie has embarked on since
The Crimson Idol (one of my personal favorites).
Part One – The Rise tells the story of an abused and orphaned boy who finds that he has the ability to read and manipulate people. By utilizing his gifts, he is able to build a following whose devotion and allegiance create a loyalty so intense that he is poised to become a dark Messiah for the 21st Century. Fun stuff, eh?
Joining Blackie on this disc is former QUIET RIOT drummer Frankie Banali (who
will not be touring with the band to support the disc), former TUFF guitarist Darrell Roberts, and W.A.S.P. fixture Mike Duda on bass (Duda's vocals are ever-present in the harmonies, so it's a good thing he's touring).
I wanted to give this disc a higher rating, and it's not a BAD collection of songs, but it really sounds like a carbon copy of
The Crimson Idol. Blackie's got a formula for songwriting, and it sounds like he went to the "Chainsaw Charlie" well one too many times on
Part 1 - The Rise because it really sounds re-hashed. I like the riffs, I like the melodies, and the drums just make me want to kick holes in the wall, but that doesn't mean it's perfect. Blackie's got a formula, and he stuck to it on this disc. If you like that formula, then you should absolutley, without hesitation, pick up
Part 1 - The Rise. If you were waiting for something trailblazing, then you should pass.
