The Neon God: Part 2 - The Demise
Sanctuary / Metal-Is
Blackie is becoming more and more like his predecessor Gene Simmons, this guy just won't let up! He's kept his band W.A.S.P. together for over twenty years, and despite the numerous line-up shifts, label droppings, and musical climate changes, you just can't rid off this poor bastard. Regardless of what you may think of this man, you truly have to respect Blackie's perseverance and dedication. As the title implies, The Neon God: Part 2 - The Demise is the conclusion of this two-part conceptual album (Part 1 was released through Sanctuary last year). This being, I believe, W.A.S.P.'s twelfth release, it's basically what you'd expect as it offers nothing different than the band's 4 previous albums. Newest band member, guitarist Darrell Roberts, fits well in the mold, providing crushing riffs and explosive leads. The other musicians, bassist Mike Duda and Stet Howland, also perform splendidly. Unfortunately, the songs just don't have that appeal. Album highlights include the eerie ballad "All My Life" and the following cut, "Destinys to Come," a bombastic track and easily the most powerful and memorable of the lot. Don't expect Queesnsryche's "Operation Mindcrime," The Neon God: Part 2 - The Demise is nothing more than just another one of Blackie's conceptual blurs. Please Blackie, no more concept albums, it's time to bring back songs like "The Torture Never Stops" and "Show No Mercy." One thing is for sure, it will be years before Blackie throws in the towel, so expect "The Neon God: Part 27" to hit the stores in the year 2018.
