Danish band WASTED were among the first wave of heavy metal bands in Denmark, formed all the way back in 1981. Following a succession of demo tapes they released their debut album “Halloween…the Night Of” in 1984, recorded a second album that never was released and then went on a lengthy hiatus shortly after. The band reformed in 2013, and in 2014 their debut album was reissued on vinyl through Swedish label Transubstans Records and their imprint Denomination Records. Later in 2014 a CD edition that also contained the band’s unreleased second album would appear.
This is a production that was initially released around the same time as I discovered the joys of heavy metal as a teenager, and I suspect I would have treasured this album if I had encountered it while still in my early teens. The dark moods, vibrant riffs, theatrical lead vocals and sheer intensity of many of the songs would have made quite an impression on me back then. As a, hopefully, rather more mature and middle-aged adult, I fear this is an album of the kind I would say have been ravaged quite a bit by the passage of time.
I’ll give the band credit for creating tight and likable riff arrangements with good rhythm support, the foundation of these compositions range from the pleasant to the likable, and some of them even more so. Whether they explore slower paced territories that looks back to the legacy of Black Sabbath or pacier affairs more in line with the speed metal of bands like Helloween or Helstar, the foundations and arrangements are actually rather good here, and as a guy that fondly recall this specific type of music there are many fine moments to enjoy here, or at least the foundation for something that could have been captivating.
There are, however, some rather serious detrimental aspects to this album as well. First and foremost, the theatrical expressions and effects used by vocalist Mick Sonne doesn’t manage to hide that at that point in time he was, at least from what I can tell by this album, a fairly untrained vocalist. It might be a case of the effects taking over training of course, but generally he comes across as rather well out of his depth as a lead vocalist throughout I’m afraid. The mix and production is generally of substandard quality throughout as well, even when regarded from an early 1980’s point of view. I’m not all that snobby in that department actually, but when I encounter an album that makes the titles released by underground 80’s labels such as Neat Records and Ebony to come across as well produced in comparison, then this is an aspect of such an album that will limit the overall appeal, and something that merits mentioning. With something of an evil-oriented theme running through the album, and the use of theatrical vocal effects to boot, this along with the type of metal explored here also makes comparisons to legendary Danish metal band Mercyful Fate unavoidable. And as far as I’m concerned, Wasted as they come across on this album resides a few divisions below them in terms of quality in most departments of note.
Back in 1984 I would have been rather thrilled about this album, and the flaws and warts would probably not have been as noticeable for me back then. Presumably there are some people out there that grew up with this one and have fond memories from it, and now gets the chance to replace what is most likely a rather worn out, 30 year old vinyl album. This reissue is, as I regard matters, one that first and foremost will be of interest to that crowd. Those with a strong affection for underground early 80’s heavy metal and speed metal may also want to inspect this one, but should do so with a bit of caution, and with an understanding that this is not a forgotten jewel, but rather a rough stone with some redeeming and intriguing features.
My rating: 53/100
