After making music in whatever project he happened to be in for the past 25 years, it seems Slash can do no wrong. Well, except for maybe Slash's Snakepit. Regardless, the man still knows how to write some great rock tunes after all these years. His 2010 self titled debut was one of my favorite albums of that year, and the inclusion of guest vocalists gave the record a nice variety. This time, former G'N'R/Velvet Revolver guitarist has teamed up with Alter Bridge singer Myles Kennedy (who sang two songs on Slash) to deliver the follow up. Apocalyptic Love, with a title so stupid only Ted Nugent would find cool, is proof that no matter who he decides to play with, Slash is capable of putting out great records that capture the sound the man is famous for.
The album begins with the title track that makes good use of some Wah. Slash is certainly no stranger to the Wah pedal, and here it is used effectively. Unfortunately this is the first and last time you will be hearing it on the record. Things pick up with "One Last Thrill" which features one of the first examples of Slash's soloing prowess. "Standing in the Sun's" main riff sounds almost like an homage to "Train Kept a Rollin", and the single "You're a Lie" contains a powerful chorus with an otherwise generic riff and uninspired verses. This is followed by the slightly boring "No More Heroes" as well as "Halo" which comes across as goofy with its chorus, making up the album's low point.
Despite the middle slightly lacking in quality, Apocalyptic Love is a rare case in that it gets BETTER towards the back half. "We Will Roam's" chorus is incredibly catchy, making it one of the most memorable songs. My favorite track, "Anastasia", is the most unique, adding some variety that I wish was present on the rest of the album. Opening with a classical guitar arrangement, the main riff show's Slash's appreciation for Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, making this the most standout track. Myles' vocal melodies also work very well here, and Slash delivers his best solo in years. This song makes me wish there were more unique tracks like this on the rest of the record. The ballad "Not for Me" immediately follows, with lyrics dealing with past drug addictions that were most likely inspired by Myles Kennedy's former demons. Another highlight is "Black Rain", featuring a dark riff that compliments the chorus nicely.
As I mentioned earlier, Slash's solos are some of his best to appear on a record in years. Not all of his riffs are amazing (Izzy wrote most of the riffs in Guns anyway), but he more than makes up for it in his soloing, prime examples being "Anastasia" and "One Last Thrill". His signature blues inspired rock style is also present, making him sound instantly recognizable. Myles Kennedy is a perfect fit, at times reaching Axl Rose-esque highs. His vocal melodies and energy makes him the best singer Slash has worked with since the G'N'R days. The rest of the band (known collectively as Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators) do a decent job, although if you are listening to a Slash solo album, you probably don't care about the bass and drums that much.
It may be bit a bit inconsistent at times, but Apocalyptic Love is a great rock album that proves Slash still has what it takes after all of these years. His inclusion of Myles Kennedy is a welcome addition, and the work they put in together certainly paid off. Tracks like "Anastasia" and "Bad Rain" make the album worth a listen alone. There isn't a bad song on here with the low points being O.K. at worst, making Apocalyptic Love a solid record all around. As we wait for what the future of Velvet Revolver holds, people shouldn't be complaining too much that we are still getting awesome music from one of rock's greatest guitarists.
Despite the middle slightly lacking in quality, Apocalyptic Love is a rare case in that it gets BETTER towards the back half. "We Will Roam's" chorus is incredibly catchy, making it one of the most memorable songs. My favorite track, "Anastasia", is the most unique, adding some variety that I wish was present on the rest of the album. Opening with a classical guitar arrangement, the main riff show's Slash's appreciation for Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, making this the most standout track. Myles' vocal melodies also work very well here, and Slash delivers his best solo in years. This song makes me wish there were more unique tracks like this on the rest of the record. The ballad "Not for Me" immediately follows, with lyrics dealing with past drug addictions that were most likely inspired by Myles Kennedy's former demons. Another highlight is "Black Rain", featuring a dark riff that compliments the chorus nicely.
As I mentioned earlier, Slash's solos are some of his best to appear on a record in years. Not all of his riffs are amazing (Izzy wrote most of the riffs in Guns anyway), but he more than makes up for it in his soloing, prime examples being "Anastasia" and "One Last Thrill". His signature blues inspired rock style is also present, making him sound instantly recognizable. Myles Kennedy is a perfect fit, at times reaching Axl Rose-esque highs. His vocal melodies and energy makes him the best singer Slash has worked with since the G'N'R days. The rest of the band (known collectively as Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators) do a decent job, although if you are listening to a Slash solo album, you probably don't care about the bass and drums that much.
It may be bit a bit inconsistent at times, but Apocalyptic Love is a great rock album that proves Slash still has what it takes after all of these years. His inclusion of Myles Kennedy is a welcome addition, and the work they put in together certainly paid off. Tracks like "Anastasia" and "Bad Rain" make the album worth a listen alone. There isn't a bad song on here with the low points being O.K. at worst, making Apocalyptic Love a solid record all around. As we wait for what the future of Velvet Revolver holds, people shouldn't be complaining too much that we are still getting awesome music from one of rock's greatest guitarists.
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