Great Metal Albums of 1989: W.A.S.P.- The Headless Children

Critics and wannabee critics have called “The Headless Children” album from WASP, their second best album, the debut being the top one. I definitely wouldn’t disagree with the claim about the debut and I don’t disagree with the claim about “The Headless Children.” What I like about this album is that the band wasn’t afraid to go in some different directions, while at the same time, sticking to the formula which had got them to this point.

The first piece of evidence that WASP was exploring new territories is the opener, “The Heretic (The Lost Child),” where it starts as a traditional WASP song but it becomes a seven minute long progressive metal jam. Credit where due, they pull it off nicely. While not seven minutes long, following a cover of The Who’s “The Real Me,” which they do justice on, is an even more progressive sounding title track, which brings me to the next piece of evidence. They don’t just sing about sex and getting drunk on the “The Headless Children,” they explore more political issues and the headless children WASP are referring to on the track are Hitler, Stalin, the KKK, Ayatollah Khomeini, Mussolini, Charles Manson and other colourful characters from the dark parts of history. Well done to the band here.

“Thunderhead” starts off with some more progressive sounding licks but goes more into a traditional WASP song. It’s still a good metal tune with some really good shredding from Chris Holmes. My third piece of evidence is on “Forever Free.” On my post about the debut album, I questioned whether or not Blackie’s vocals were suited to power ballads. I don’t know if he had voice coaching or his voice just matured like the rest of the album but he does a good job on the vocals front on this one. Of course the acoustic and electric guitars play a definitive part as well. It’s a nice little power ballad, so kudos here.

Going back to the progressive argument, there is a nice little acoustic instrumental called “Mephisto Waltz.” If I’m honest, I think the title is the main reason why I like the track. For those who don’t know, in the computer game, “Diablo,” the title villain’s older brother is called Mephisto and while you don’t see him in the first game, you have to defeat him in the second to move onto the fourth level. That’s my weird mind for you. Maybe the makers of “Diablo” should have included this little number in the game.

One point I missed is that this album features Quiet Riot’s Frankie Banali on the drums. If you want traditional WASP songs, then the remainder of the album is your best bet. “Mean Man,” “The Neutron Bomber” and “Maneater” tick all the boxes of what people came to expect from them. All are all cool metal tunes and Chris delivers another great shred on “The Neutron Bomber.” Therefore, you get a lot of great things in one ten song album.

Track Listing:

1. The Heretic (The Lost Child)
2. The Real Me
3. The Headless Children
4. Thunderhead
5. Mean Man
6. The Neutron Bomber
7. Mephisto Waltz
8. Forever Free
9. Maneater
10. Rebel in the F.D.G.

W.A.S.P.

Blackie Lawless- lead vocals, rhythm guitar

Chris Holmes- lead guitar

Johnny Rod- bass, backing vocals

Additional Musicians:

Frankie Banali- drums

Ken Hensley- keyboards

Diana Fennell, Lita Ford, Mark Humphrey, Jimi Image, Minka Kelly, Thomas Nellen, Cathi Page, Mike Solan, Kevin Wallace, Melba Wallace, Ron Wallace- backing vocals

In spite of the success of “The Headless Children,” WASP would temporarily break up after the tour for the album, although they would come back a few years later. But that’s a story for another time so I say just enjoy “The Headless Children.”

Good things come to those who wait and here’s me with my birthday present.

Next post: Kingdom Come- In Your Face

To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com

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