Following the release of the excellent The Headless Children and the news that guitarist Chris Holmes had left the band, I remember wondering what the future held for this band, who by 1992 had become one of my favourites. Blackie had become something of a hero, and I could only guess what was to come.
What came was what I consider to be one of the best albums of all time.
The Crimson Idol is a rock opera, a concept album that is almost autobiographical, and is touched by brilliance. The story of the young boy, Jonathon, who grows to become a star, and then the trappings that follow, is one that most of us have seen in the media and in the movies. The story itself is not unique and has been told before and since. But it is the music - anthemic, orchestral - that makes this what it is. The mood of each song is brilliantly brought to life by the music, and sets off the lyrics and the piece of the story that each song is telling.
This album is a masterpiece, and the culmination of the first four albums that W.A.S.P. released, maturing into this release. To say that this was a surprise when it came out would be an understatement, but a pleasant surprise.
Favourites here include "The Invisible Boy", "Arena Of Pleasure", "Chainsaw Charlie (Murders in the New Morgue)", "Doctor Rockter", "I Am One" and "The Great Misconceptions Of Me".
Rating: Quite simply a stunning album, and one of the best in the business. 5/5.
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