So, this is supposed to be the music that W.A.S.P. never dared to put out in order to preserve the band's flame? OK, Blackie Lawless can be a 'who-the-hell-he-thinks-he-is' kinda person at times but this status does not give the privilege to any ex-W.A.S.P. member boasting he's creating the right music from now on. Calling Randy Piper...connection failed.
Of course, the band's name comes off the most controversial 80s Metal song issued. Animal (Fuck Like A Beast) marked W.A.S.P.'s risky - and eventually successful - affair with fame and fortune. Now, the title steps in for this newly formed act driven by ex-W.A.S.P. guitarist Randy Piper, credited in the 'shock' Rock masters' first two colossal albums W.A.S.P. (1984) and The Last Command (1985). There's been a certain amount of murmur regarding the participation of fellow ex-W.A.S.P. warriors Chris Holmes and Tony Richards in the ANIMAL ranks, but nothing do I see in the inner sleeve lineup notes of the promo CD. Really, did they ever record a single not for this one?
The voice - and name - of Rich Lewis brings to mind the unique throat of the 'classic' L.A. GUNS frontman Phil Lewis. Only if Rich was on the same level...Not that his voice is dreadful - he does some beautiful singing in cuts like Never and Medicine Man - but he's in no way associated with dominant performance, since his throat also resembles to bands' 'voices' like ALICE IN CHAINS or a dozen of current 'low singing' bands affected by both BLACK SABBATH and KYUSS. Hence, now it is cleared out what's on with the music too. Modern performance, low keys in guitars, 'fuzzy' bass and a feeling I'm hearing some ALICE IN CHAINS and CORROSION OF CONFORMITY mix can depict the rank. The drums, last but not least, could not sound worse...
Some good riffing here and there, some interesting leads and - overall - the same-titled tune itself are the 'pros' of ANIMAL's debut creation. 900 lb. Steam sees another target group needed for Randy Piper. This is clear. If you're not that bored after the music over, maybe it's this style you like from now on. This I strongly doubt...