W.A.S.P. - The Crimson Idol 2 cd expanded version vbr extreme

W.A.S.P. - The Crimson Idol 2 cd expanded version vbr extreme

fresh rip from my silvers
vbr extreme

The first disc of this 1998 reissue is the original album plus one bonus track; the second disc is a collection of 12 live and studio recordings originally intended to be released alongside disc 1.

Between 1990-1992, little was heard from one of the 1980s' most theatrical metal bands, W.A.S.P. Many assumed they'd broken up, especially when it became publicly known that the entire band had split from leader Blackie Lawless (the most surprising departure being longtime guitarist Chris Holmes). But the truth of the matter was that Lawless was hard at work the entire time, composing an epic concept album, 1993's The Crimson Idol, which told the tale of a tormented rock star, Jonathan. Lawless handled rhythm guitar, bass, vocal, and keyboard duties himself, and renowned studio musician Bob Kulick filled in Holmes' vacated position, while a pair of drummers were used (including the drummer on The Headless Children, Frankie Banali). The songs weren't a radical departure stylistically for W.A.S.P., and since no original members were left, The Crimson Idol is essentially a Blackie Lawless solo album. The over 74-minute album contained such hard-hitting highlights as "The Invisible Boy," "Chainsaw Charlie (Murders in the New Morgue)," and "I Am One." Unfortunately, The Crimson Idol sunk from sight upon release (keep in mind, this was the era of "grunge") but, interestingly, marked eventual Korn/Limp Bizkit producer Ross Robinson's first studio credit, as assistant engineer. [The 1998 CD reissue was expanded to a double-disc set, the second disc comprised of 12 b-sides (!). Included was a cover of Led Zeppelin's "When the Levee Breaks," the studio outtakes
"Phantoms in the Mirror" and "The Eulogy," plus many acoustic renditions ("The Idol") and live tracks ("Chainsaw Charlie," "Wild Child," "The Real Me").] ~ Greg Prato

Recorded at Ft. Apache Recording Studio, Hollywood, California, between July 1990 and February 1992. Includes liner notes by Blackie Lawless.

W.A.S.P.: Blackie Lawless (vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards); Bob Kulick (guitar); Stet Howland, Frankie Banali (drums).

All music & lyrics by Blackie Lawless

Produced by Blackie Lawless
Engineered and mixed by Mikey Davis
Recorded and mixed at Fort Apache Recording Studio, Hollywood, CA.

Blackie Lawless: Lead vocals, lead/rhythm guitars, bass, and keyboards
Stet Howland and Frankie Banali: Drums

Guest: Bob Kulick - Lead guitars

Bonus tracks on 1998 re-release:

Disc 1
11. The Story Of Jonathan (Prologue To The Crimson Idol)

Disc 2
1. Phantoms In The Mirror (3:30)
2. The Eulogy (5:12)
3. When The Levee Breaks (Led Zeppelin cover) (4:15)
4. The Idol (live acoustic) (8:45)
5. Hold On To My Heart (live acoustic) (4:45)
6. I Am One (live) (3:54)
7. Wild Child (live) (5:25)
8. Chainsaw Charlie (Murders In The New Morgue) (live) 8:40
9. I Wanna Be Somebody (live) (4:22)
10. The Invisible Boy (live) (9:46)
11. The Real Me (live) (03:40)
12. The Great Misconceptions Of Me (live) (16:37)
1. The Titanic Overture 03:32 [view lyrics]
2. The Invisible Boy 05:12 [view lyrics]
3. Arena Of Pleasure 05:00 [view lyrics]
4. Chainsaw Charlie (Murders In The New Morgue) 07:48 [view lyrics]
5. The Gypsy Meets The Boy 04:16 [view lyrics]
6. Doctor Rockter 03:51 [view lyrics]
7. I Am One 05:25 [view lyrics]
8. The Idol 08:41 [view lyrics]
9. Hold On To My Heart 04:23 [view lyrics]
10. The Great Misconceptions Of Me 09:44 [view lyrics]
Total playing time 57:52