The Last Command is the second studio album by WASP , released on November 9, 1985, through Capitol Records . By this time, the band, led by Blackie Lawless (vocals and bass), had made a strong impact on the heavy metal scene with their self-titled debut (1984). WASP was characterized by offering extremely theatrical and provocative live shows, attracting both the attention of penggemar of more aggressive metal and criticism from conservative sectors.
In a music scene rife with glam and festive hard rock , WASP stood out for their darker, more menacing edge, emphasizing provocation and a subversive attitude. The Last Command , therefore, cemented the band’s status in the 1980s, demonstrating that their relevance extended beyond their initial controversy.
WASP The Last Command
Commercial accessibility
The album was produced by Spencer Proffer , known for his work with bands like Quiet Riot. The recording took place at Pocos Studios (and some sources mention Eldorado Studios), with the aim of maintaining WASP ‘s impact while also achieving a degree of commercial accessibility that would allow them to gain a presence on MTV and rock radio stations.
The core lineup for The Last Command included Chris Holmes (lead guitar), Randy Piper (rhythm guitar), and Steve Riley (drums), backing Blackie Lawless . Despite some lineup adjustments, this lineup delivered straightforward riffs and a solid rhythmic undertone, while maintaining the band’s provocative stage presence that had made them famous.
Great hymns
The Last Command was released on November 9, 1985 , and peaked at number 47 on the Billboard 200. Although it did not achieve the commercial success of other glam metal bands, the album reinforced WASP ‘s reputationas a cult group, capable of attracting the attention of the press and an audience eager for impressive live performances.
Singles like “Wild Child” and “Blind in Texas” were accompanied by music videos, receiving airplay on MTV and increasing the band’s visibility beyond hardcore extreme metal fans. The subsequent tour saw WASP headline shows and perform at festivals, where they continued to display a stage presence filled with fake blood and provocative attitudes that captivated—and shocked—the audience.
Raw
The album opens with “Wild Child,” one of WASP ’s signature tracks , combining a catchy riff with Blackie Lawless ’ raw vocals . “Ballcrusher” and “Fistful of Diamonds” delve deeper into the band’s heavy, menacing side, with raw guitars and fiery choruses. “Blind in Texas ,” on the other hand, showcases a more lighthearted side and earned a memorable music video that received moderate but consistent airplay.
The lyrics maintained the provocation and references to violence and sexuality already seen on the debut album, but with a more melodic tone. This allowed WASP to reach listeners who appreciated visual and stage brutality, but required a certain accessibility in their music. While not following the purely glam path, the band didn’t miss the opportunity to produce choruses or hooks that would appeal to a broad audience within heavy metal .
WASP
The legacy
The Last Command became a pillar that allowed WASP to establish themselves in the ’80s scene beyond the label of shock band. With this album, Blackie Lawless reinforced his role as a charismatic and transgressive frontman, while Chris Holmes stood out for his incisive guitar style. Although the band would subsequently go through ups and downs and multiple lineup changes, this work constitutes one of the key moments in their discography.
WASP ‘s visual impact and boldness influenced many subsequent bands, who saw in the blend of musical aggression and shocking aesthetics an opportunity to differentiate themselves. To this day, The Last Command is considered one of the band’s most important releases, combining the ferocity of heavy metal with a commercial potential evident in songs like “Wild Child” and “Blind in Texas.” Thus, WASP remained in the memory of the 1980s as one of the most daring and memorable exponents of hard rock of the era.