There's something wickedly fascinating about diving into a band's vault of unreleased material. It's like stumbling upon a treasure chest filled with rough diamonds – each one telling its own story of creative experimentation and unbridled passion. With the release of Bonus Tracks & B-Sides from The 7 Savage boxset, W.A.S.P. has finally opened that chest, and what spills out is nothing short of extraordinary.
The 7 Savage boxset, meticulously curated by Madfish Music, represents a pivotal era in W.A.S.P.'s history, spanning their most influential period from 1984 to 1992. This collection of bonus tracks and b-sides serves as the crown jewel of the set, offering fans an intimate glimpse into the band's creative process and evolutionary journey.
The collection kicks off with "Animal (F**k Like A Beast)," a track that perfectly encapsulates everything W.A.S.P. stood for in their early days. It's raw, it's provocative, and it's unapologetically W.A.S.P. This song alone sparked countless controversies and helped cement the band's reputation as one of heavy metal's most daring acts.
Blackie Lawless, the band's fearless leader and primary songwriter, has always been a master of pushing boundaries while maintaining musical integrity. Having sold over twelve million records worldwide, W.A.S.P.'s influence on heavy metal culture is undeniable, and this collection serves as a testament to their creative fearlessness.
One of the most striking aspects of this compilation is W.A.S.P.'s approach to cover songs. Their rendition of The Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" transforms the psychedelic classic into a heavy metal thunderstorm, while their take on Mountain's "Mississippi Queen" adds layers of metallic muscle to the southern rock staple.
The band's interpretation of Jethro Tull's "Locomotive Breath" showcases their ability to maintain the original's progressive elements while injecting their signature aggressive style. Perhaps most impressive is their seven-minute epic take on Led Zeppelin's "When The Levee Breaks," which stands as a masterclass in how to honor a classic while making it entirely your own.
Original tracks like "Savage" and "Flesh and Fire" represent W.A.S.P. at their most primal. These songs capture the essence of what made the band special – the perfect blend of theatrical presentation and genuine heavy metal credentials. "D.B. Blues" reveals a playful side of the band rarely seen in their official releases, while "War Cry" delivers the kind of anthemic power that became their trademark.
The collection's crown jewel is undoubtedly "The Story of Jonathan (Prologue to The Crimson Idol)," a sprawling 16-minute opus that adds new depth to what many consider W.A.S.P.'s masterpiece. This track offers fascinating insight into the conceptual development of The Crimson Idol album, showcasing Blackie Lawless's ambitious storytelling abilities and the band's musical sophistication.
The timing of this release couldn't be more perfect. W.A.S.P.'s recent Album ONE Alive tour has been receiving rave reviews, demonstrating that the band's influence continues to resonate with both long-time fans and newcomers. Recent performances have impressed audiences with their energy and precision, proving that W.A.S.P.'s legacy is far from over.
The significance of this release extends beyond mere nostalgia. As scholars have noted, metal artifacts of great cultural importance help shape the broader narrative of the genre. These tracks, previously available only to the most dedicated collectors, now take their rightful place in W.A.S.P.'s official canon.
The audio quality of these recordings deserves special mention. While maintaining the raw energy of the original recordings, the remastering process has brought new clarity to these tracks without sacrificing their essential grit. This is particularly evident in the dynamic range of complex arrangements like "Phantoms in the Mirror" and "The Eulogy."
As W.A.S.P. continues their journey with upcoming tour dates across South America, Europe, and the UK in 2025, this collection serves as both a celebration of their past and a reminder of their enduring relevance. The band's ability to consistently deliver powerful performances suggests that their influence on heavy metal will continue for years to come.
Bonus Tracks & B-Sides is more than just a compilation – it's a crucial piece of heavy metal history. These songs represent the unfiltered essence of W.A.S.P., capturing moments of pure creative freedom and artistic exploration. For die-hard fans, it's a treasure trove of long-sought-after material. For newcomers, it's an perfect introduction to the band's raw power and theatrical presentation.
The release proves that even after four decades, W.A.S.P. still has the power to surprise and excite. In an era where many classic bands are content to rest on their laurels, W.A.S.P. continues to engage with their legacy in meaningful ways, ensuring that their impact on heavy metal culture remains as potent as ever.
As the final piece of The 7 Savage boxset, this collection stands as a fitting tribute to one of heavy metal's most controversial and compelling bands. It reminds us why W.A.S.P. earned their place in the pantheon of metal gods and why their music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.