10 Best Self-Titled Music Albums In Metal History
9. W.A.S.P.
Although W.A.S.P. may not enjoy the same level of mainstream appreciation as other names on this list, the Californian heavy metal band are still highly respected within the metal community. Formed in 1982 by Randy Piper, Rik Fox, Tony Richards, and the only consistent member, Blackie Lawless, W.A.S.P. would become one of the most controversial bands of the '80s.
But before that, their self-titled debut album was released in 1984, by which time the band had already got through three bass players and welcomed Chris Holmes into the fold on guitar. Although the album did well in the United States upon its release, it was a colossal success in Europe, charting in every country from the UK to Sweden. In the years since, ‘W.A.S.P.’ has earned gold certification in the United States, as well as Japan, Canada, and Finland.
However, the main spotlight on W.A.S.P. came from Tipper Gore’s Parents Music Resource Center, who labelled the band as "morally objectionable". In response to the heavy criticism, lead single ‘Animal (F**k Like a Beast)’ was dropped from the album, and venues where W.A.S.P. were playing on tour often received bomb threats due to their reputation being so blackened. There were also two separate murder attempts on vocalist Blackie Lawless, both by gunshot, but the gunman’s aim was off each time and Lawless luckily walked free. W.A.S.P. are still an active band to this day, but have not released a studio album since ‘Golgotha’ in 2015.