Many people now recognize the man who is Slash as the “guy with the top hat” on the cover of “Guitar Hero.”
However, years before he graced the cover of any kind of video game, Slash was idolized by fans all around the world and has been the cover boy for Rolling Stone and numerous other music publications, touted as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
His legendary status comes from the culmination of his work with recently inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Guns N’ Roses, as well as Slash’s Snakepit and Grammy award-winning Velvet Revolver. In other words, the man is a music god, and his godlike status has continued into his solo efforts.
With the dissolution of lead singer Scott Weiland in early 2008, Velvet Revolver, Slash’s main band as of late, has since taken a break from music, setting the stage for a Slash solo project. His first efforts came in 2010 with the self-titled rocker _Slash_. Two years later, _Apocalyptic Love_ surfaced.
With the help of Myles Kennedy (Alter Bridge) and the Conspirators, _Apocalyptic Love_ delivers every single rock ‘n’ roll taste one might crave. From the howling screams of Slash’s signature “wah” sound on the title track “Apocalyptic Love” to the sinister riffage of “Shots Fired,” Slash and Co. combine the sheer raw energy of Guns N’ Roses with an AC/DC simplicity complimented by Kennedy’s smooth yet soulful vocal melodies throughout the entire album, a feat not conquered every day in a world of rock now dominated by the likes of Nickelback and Green Day.
The lead single “You’re a Lie” is a ferocious love story gone wrong that is felt within every word Kennedy croons. It further sizzles with a bluesy/metal solo only Slash could create. “Hard and Fast” plays just as advertised and sounds like the creation of Guns N’ Roses circa 1985.
The heyday of rock ‘n’ roll in the ‘80s and early ‘90s is brought back with tracks such as “No More Heroes” and “Halo” with blistering guitar solos and anthem-esque choruses, that even Steven Perry and Axl Rose would approve of. Well, maybe not Axl Rose.
One thing this album falls short on is variety. _Apocalyptic Love_ rips from beginning to end and doesn’t ever really slow down. “Not for Me” is the closest song that comes to being a ballad but quickly turns into a rocker within less than a minute.
Even with this shortcoming, it’s hard to downgrade this album much more than a star — it’s just too good. If you want a real rock ‘n’ roll record, look no further than _Apocalyptic Love_.