W.A.S.P. are one of the few alive and still kicking leaders of the classic metal scene. In the course of time the cheerful, hymn-like heavy metal from their earlier albums yielded to socially committed songs, until the band created the titanic concept masterpiece "The Crimson Idol", after which a number of records in minor spirits and a few attempts for a back-to-the-roots-sound followed. However, they never surrendered to fashion trends and, despite the endless number of line-up changes, they continued to release one album after the other. And after a decade of plain efforts to regaining the old fame, now they are returning stronger, wiser and more confident than they've been for a long time. "Dominator" represents what Blackie can and must give to his fans today - a combination of the two faces of W.A.S.P.: energetic metal rock'n'roll for headbanging parties and heavy, melodic and dark rock with reality-inspired lyrics. In the band's official website Blackie reveals the events and situations that provoked the mood of the songs on "Dominator". He is the next artist who stands against the politics of George W. Bush and convicts the intention of his country to try to occupy the world. The music is his tribune, the mass of the fans - his audience, the congregation of the "Dominator" sermon. The songs are sung emotionally, the way only Blackie can - with his hoarse blend and whole soul. Through audibly joyful cuts we can see a hidden warning of the character who suffered in the past ("Long, Long Way to Go", "Teacher"), and serious subjects presented by epic, dark melodies, strong, sincere lyrics and sensual singing ("Take Me Up", "Heaven's Hung in Black"). These parallel expressed moods remind of the strong 1995 album "Still Not Black Enough", where melancholy and joy also coexisted in harmony in the frames of one sole record. And, as it was there, here there's also a pure rock'n'roll track - "Deal With The Devil" bears the same merry spirit like "Rock and Roll to Death" and adds a more cheerful end to the otherwise serious album. To put it short, W.A.S.P. have returned and released their strongest effort in 12 years. "Dominator" may not shine with original ideas or a genius concept, neither is it a masterpiece as "The Headless Children" was, but it combines in a very bright way some of the strongest marks of the different musical periods of the band and is a wonderful start for the younger metal fans who meet W.A.S.P. with this CD for the first time.