The Last Command cover

The Last Command

W.A.S.P. · 1985

74 min · 17 tracks · heavy metal

A raucous blend of glam metal theatrics and raw heavy riffs that embodies the wild spirit of mid-80s rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Wild Child Start here — This opening track captures the album's energy with its catchy hooks and rebellious lyrics, setting the tone for W.A.S.P.'s unapologetic attitude.
  • →
    Blind in Texas — As one of the standout singles, this song blends storytelling with an infectious chorus that resonates with themes of hedonism and freedom, emblematic of the band's style.
  • →
    I Wanna Be Somebody — This anthem epitomizes the desire for fame and recognition, featuring a powerful chorus that became a rallying cry for fans, securing its place in rock history.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic heavy metal but suffers from cohesion due to live tracks disrupting the flow.

What we noticed

  • The first six tracks maintain a high-energy tempo with aggressive guitar riffs and anthemic choruses, establishing a consistent heavy metal sound.
  • Several tracks feature dual guitar harmonies that enhance the melodic structure, particularly in 'Blind in Texas' and 'I Wanna Be Somebody.'
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • raucous energy for party vibes
  • dynamic tracks for varied moods
  • live performances ignite adrenaline
  • rebellious anthems for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer calm, subtle sounds
  • seek lengthy, introspective pieces

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified W.A.S.P.'s presence in glam metal and increased their commercial appeal.
Themes
Texas nightlife· rebellious youth· glam metal excess
Career context
Released on November 9, 1985, The Last Command was W.A.S.P.'s second studio album, following their self-titled debut. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their presence in the glam metal scene, gaining notoriety for their provocative stage performances and lyrical content.
Stylistic neighbors
Mötley Crüe· Twisted Sister· Ratt

Tracklist

  • 1 Wild Child Start here 5:12
  • 2 Ballcrusher 3:27
  • 3 Fistful of Diamonds 4:13
  • 4 Jack Action 4:16
  • 5 Widowmaker 5:17
  • 6 Blind in Texas 4:21
  • 7 Cries in the Night 3:41
  • 8 The Last Command 4:10
  • 9 Running Wild in the Streets 3:30
  • 10 Sex Drive 3:12
  • 11 Mississippi Queen 3:21
  • 12 Savage 3:32
  • 13 On Your Knees (live) 4:38
  • 14 Hellion (live) 4:45
  • 15 Sleeping (in the Fire) (live) 5:44
  • 16 Animal (F**k Like a Beast) (live) 4:37
  • 17 I Wanna Be Somebody (live) 5:54

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata