There are
many iconic musicians who can get by with using only one name. You have Sting,
Bono, Cher and Prince. There’s also an iconic guitarist that needs to be added
to that list. He’s almost as iconic for his black top hat and flowing dark hair
as he is for his legendary riffs in Guns and Roses.
Saul Hudson,
known to his fans as Slash, released his first solo album back in 2010 and it
was received well by critics and fans alike. He had numerous guest vocalists on
it including Ozzy Osbourne, Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas and the one and only
Myles Kennedy. Slash took Miles out on the road with him to promote the album
and the two formed a musical bond that was itching to get into the studio and
start recording.
Apocalyptic
Love is the product of that musical kinmanship between Slash and Myles. This
album is so much different than his first solo album and I mean that in the
best way. It’s stronger lyrically because of the excellent songwriting skills
that Myles brings to the table. Also, the fact that Myles is the lone vocalist
on this album allows the connection between the singer and lyrics to be
presented in a stronger, more emotional delivery.
The album
kicks off with the title track and the riff that’s layed down is a strong
indicator that this is going to be more of a rock and roll freight train than
Slash’s last effort. Myles kicks in with his insane vocal prowess and the bar
is immediately raised from the last solo effort by Slash.
It doesn’t
take long before you realize that Slash is playing with a renewed sense of
urgency. Don’t get me wrong, he has always been an amazing guitar player, but
Myles seems to have awoken a sleeping beast. It’s been quite a few years since
Slash has played with this much passion and intensity.
Speaking of
beasts, “Anastasia” is exactly that. What starts off as a beautiful acoustic
piece, suddenly changes gears as Slash plugs in his electric and starts wailing
away on it. This is, without a doubt, one of the greatest things he has created
in his illustrious career. The vocal performance by Myles is so passionate and
convincing and the harmonies on the chorus just take the song to another level.
As far as solos go, it may be the best solo Slash has recorded since the Use
Your Illusion sessions.
If you’re looking for a powerful ballad, then
look no further. “Far and Away” is just what the rock and blues doctor ordered.
It’s a beautiful composition and Myles is just amazing. It has a bit of a
bluesy flavor to it and Slash slows down the shredding to deliver a slower, yet
just as powerful solo. Raise your lighters high in the air on this one; it will
light up an entire arena.
Now, I know
some of you out there just can’t get enough of the old Guns and Roses classics.
Well, fret not metal heads because there are a few tracks on here that just may
take you back in time to their heyday. I dare you to play “One Last Thrill” and
“Shots Fired” and tell me that they don’t have that classic G-n-R flavor to
them.
It’s really
hard to find any major faults with this release. Slash and Myles have
definitely raised the bar on this new release. The bond that developed between
the two of them while out on tour is one of enormous magnitude. I can’t take
anything away from the rest of the band either. The combination of Todd Kerns
on bass and Brent Fitz on drums help to round out this lethal lineup.
I can’t wait
to hear this material performed live. I hope that Slash will do a tour and not
just play festivals. A headline tour of his own would allow for a longer
set-list and more time to highlight this amazing piece of art. We’re almost
mid-way through 2012 and Apocalyptic Love is one of the most solid releases to
come out this year.
No comments:
Post a Comment