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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
WASP's finest moment; buy this NOW..., October 13, 2005
This is not only WASP's finest moment, it's one of the two or three best hard rock albums of all time. Released in April of 1989, it marked a significant departure from the good-time party rock of the group's first three studio releases. The lyrical focus moved to more political and social territory, with topics ranging from drug abuse ("Thunderhead") to nuclear war ("The Neutron Bomber"). These more topical songs were nicely balanced with light-hearted tunes such as "Mean Man" and "Rebel In The F.D.G.". There's even a great motorcycle tune on here ("Maneater")!
Of course this is rock'n'roll, so the shift of lyrical focus alone would hardly serve to make this record worthwhile. So why a 5-star rating? Because the songwriting isn't just good, it's out of this world. There is just NO FILLER on this record! The weakest song present is "The Neutron Bomber", and it's a great song! Some highlights include "The Heretic" (an epic worthy of Iron Maiden and easily my favorite WASP tune), the dark and athmospheric title track, the beautiful tear-jerking ballad "Forever Free", and an amazing cover of The Who's "The Real Me". It's all great stuff.
The technical aspects of the record are every bit as spectacular as the writing. The band absolutely smokes, with powerful drums from Frankie Banalie (formerly of Quiet Riot), solid bass from Johnny Rod (check him out on "The Real Me"), and Chris Holmes' usual brand of tasteful shred guitar. And the mastermind behind it all, Blackie Lawless, turns in an incredible vocal performance. His raw, powerful voice is at it's peak here and the range of emotions he manages to convey is truly stunning. This album also features great production, with each instrument sounding crisp and clear but avoiding the overly polished sound that was epidemic in the late eighties. The bottom line? GET THIS ALBUM!!! And be prepared for the heavy metal ride of a lifetime.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dark & Melodic, W.A.S.P. show they belong on top!, June 1, 2007
This album stands alone amongst other W.A.S.P. releases. From their debut album all the way through "Inside the Electric Circus" W.A.S.P. was mainly looked at as a mediocre shock-rock metal act. That all changed with the release of "The Headless Children." An album that is both dark and melodic at the same time; an album that begins to show TRULY what musical geniuses W.A.S.P. really are, as well as what a lyrical mastermind Blackie Lawless can be given enough time!
1. The Heretic (The Lost Child) - An amazing opening track to start the listener off with a bang. It may take a few listens to truly appreciate the song for what it is, but the song flows together beautifully. 4/5
2. The Real Me - An awesome cover of a classic tune by The Who. In my opinion it is not the best cover the band has done as it does get repetitve, but a good listen nonetheless. Blackie really tries to get raw emotion into it, but being that it is a cover, it may sound like he tries too hard. 3.5/5
3. The Headless Children - The title track of the album. Absolutely killer!!! This is perhaps my second favorite song on the album, and it is a very close second. The lyrics alone in this song are enough to appreciate the track for what it is; mix that with the heavy guitar and drums and you get a five-star killer tune! 5/5
4. Thunderhead - A track that has one of the best instrumental intros I have ever heard, I wish they expanded upon it just a bit more. The lyrics themselves may seem a bit cheesy, but the dark undertone of the song makes you realize what the song is about. An under-rated song on the album. 4/5
5. Mean Man - This song was inspired by guitarist Chris Holmes and his true balls-to-the-wall rock n' roll lifestyle! This song may take awhile to really sink into, but it is a fun song to just rock out to. Its pretty cool for Blackie to create an entire song for his lead man! 4/5
6. The Neutron Bomber - A lot of people may think this is the weakest track on the album; and a lot of people may not like it at all, persoanlly I enjoy it. The message behind this track is dark and almost haunting as it came before the horrific acts of 9/11. Another good under-rated track on the album. 4/5
7. Mephisto Waltz - An instrumental filler, and a good one at that. Could have been expanded into its own song and that would have been better, but the haunting tune keeps in direct relation with the album as a whole. 3.5/5
8. Forever Free - A ballad. One of the best formed and created ballds I have ever heard on a metal album. Starts slow and then gains momentum throughout. Gets you rocking, but also gets you to appreciate the song for its grace and beauty. 5/5
9. ManEater - In my opinion the weakest song on the album. The song seems rushed and never really takes off to begin with. Besides the guitar work, there is nothing of any real substance to the song; this is just a matter of opinion however. 3/5
10. Rebel In the F.D.G. - Following that, the best song on the album in my opinion. This is just a killer rocking track that gets you pumped. Raw emotion an seemless guitar work flowing nicely together with killer drums; a definite five-star! Should have been a single off the album. 5/5
11. Locomotive Breath - Another under-rated song on the album. Takes time to fully appreciate, but after awhile you really do see what makes it a good song overall. 4/5
12. For Whom The Bell Tolls - An amazing track that is expanded upon and finds a place in a concept album developed later by Mr. Lawless. A relatively calm song with a nice hook; keeps the dark yet melodic tone throughout. 4.5/5
13. Lake of Fools - A song that takes time to appreciate, but is really a journey all on its own. Flows together nicely and is well worth the recognition it gets. 4/5
14. War Cry - What a way to end an album! A song with a killer hook and an awesome chorus, instantly makes you sing along! Again, an effort with just pure raw emotion and seemless dedication! 5/5
15. L.O.V.E. Machine [Live, bonus track] - If you liked the original, you should like this one as it shows what they are like when it comes to live performances. Good song. 4/5
16. Blind in Texas [Live, bonus track] - This song is cool on its own, but even better live! they get the crowd involved on this one, and its funny! Truly shows how well the band acts towards and appreciates their fans! 5/5
The album as a whole is just amazing! Again, you can really tell how much Blackie has grown as a lyricist, and just how well the band as a whole has gelled together! A must own for any and all fans, and is really a prelude to the great "Crimson Idol" album!
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome! powerful, September 13, 2005
this is an awesome release from W.A.S.P. The Lost Child and Headless Children are the greatest songs. Highly recommend this album if you listen to these guys.
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