Dominator cover

Dominator

W.A.S.P. · 2007

43 min · 9 tracks · heavy metal

A fierce blend of heavy metal riffs and theatrical glam, laced with dark, introspective themes and powerful vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Mercy Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Heaven's Hung in Black — This track stands out for its hauntingly melodic structure and lyrical depth, capturing the album's overarching themes of loss and introspection.
  • →
    Long, Long Way to Go — With its anthemic chorus and poignant lyrics, this song exemplifies the band's ability to balance heaviness with emotional resonance.
  • →
    Deal With the Devil — This track showcases W.A.S.P.'s signature blend of hard-hitting riffs and lyrical narrative, making it a standout example of their storytelling prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid heavy metal elements but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of heavy guitar riffs and aggressive drumming throughout, with most tracks maintaining a high energy level.
  • Several tracks incorporate melodic choruses that contrast with the heavier verses, creating dynamic shifts within the songs.
  • The last track is notably slower and more reflective, providing a stark contrast to the preceding material.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • cathartic energy for release
  • engaging narratives through tracks
  • reflective moments of intensity
  • dynamic shifts in pacing

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • avoid emotional depth exploration

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and explores darker themes in their later phase.
Themes
loss and redemption· theatrical storytelling
Career context
In 2007, W.A.S.P. was in a phase of resurgence after a turbulent period marked by lineup changes and varied commercial success. 'Dominator' followed their 2004 album 'The Neon God: Part 2 – The Last Redemption', showcasing a return to their heavy metal roots while incorporating elements of progressive storytelling.
Stylistic neighbors
Mötley Crüe· Twisted Sister· Ratt

Tracklist

  • 1 Mercy Start here 4:49
  • 2 Long, Long Way to Go 3:15
  • 3 Take Me Up 4:33
  • 4 The Burning Man 4:39
  • 5 Heaven's Hung in Black 7:14
  • 6 Heaven's Blessed 5:22
  • 7 Teacher 5:01
  • 8 Heaven's Hung in Black (reprise) 3:13
  • 9 Deal With the Devil 5:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata