W. A. S. P. is one of the most controversial, misunderstood, and enduring bands to emerge from the American heavy metal scene of the early 1980s. Formed in Los Angeles in 1982 by Blackie Lawless, the band became notorious almost instantly — not only for their aggressive sound, but for their provocative imagery, confrontational lyrics, and willingness to push boundaries at a time when heavy metal itself was already under scrutiny.