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.
The King Of Mercy One of the best W.A.S.P. albums with a bonus disk. Great album. Anyone who is a fan of the band should get this double disk!!! Submitted by nosajdabeno (Rio Rancho, NM, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Rone of the best made along side k.f.d., this is the best album they have done. Submitted by Kevin (missouri) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Still the master Blackie Lawless is a genius, let's leave it at that. The concept album to end all concept albums. The bonus disc is worth the price of this CD on its own. A must have for all WASP fans in general, or a great introduction to an extremely talented and underrated group. Submitted by mhajzer (Davis,WV) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
brilliant I'm a huge wasp fan and have a verry large metal collection and i have to say that the story of this album is as good as pink floyd the wall and the music is better that tommy or operation mind crime. This is 1 truly incredible rock opera and all songs are verry strong. The song on the bonus cd "phantom in the mirror" is sooo good it should of been added in the original album. Submitted by benitotabasco (montreal) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
another great W.A.S.P. cd this is the BEST concept sinc queensrych did mindcrime!!You must get this at all costs if you dig true metal. Submitted by steve (southport,indiana) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
The King Of Mercy
Rone of the best made
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