Album Review: Slash - Orgy Of The Damned
Reviewed by Drew McCarthy
Slash, a name that any self respecting fan of rock music should be aware of, known just as much for his iconic look as he is for his legendary body of work over many years. The number of musical projects that he has been involved with, five albums with Guns N’ Roses, two with Slash’s Snakepit, two with Velvet Revolver, four with Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators and not forgetting his two solo albums! Slash returns with his latest offering, Orgy Of The Damned.
The latest solo effort from Slash is an interesting album to say the least, bringing together a host of musicians in a collaborative effort to put their own mark on a myriad of blues songs that have influenced them over the years. Fans were first given an idea of what to expect from Orgy Of The Damned when the first single from the album, Killing Floor, originally recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1964, was released earlier this year accompanied by a music video. It showed the musicians performing the song in a recording studio and the number features the vocal talents of AC/DC legend Brian Johnson with a cameo appearance from Steve Tyler of Aerosmith on the harmonica.
Orgy of The Damned is an album that not only features the previously mentioned Brian Johnson and Steven Tyler, but an incredible array of musicians. Chris Robinson, of The Black Crowes, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Iggy Pop, Paul Rodgers of Bad Company, Chris Stapleton and Beth Hart. Coincidentally however, it is not the first time that Slash has explored the genre of blues rock, as it was back in 1996 that Slash formed a band called, Slash’s Blue Ball, although the band did perform live several times and also went on tour, they never released an album.
While the iconic guitar playing that Slash is well known for may become very familiar sounding after a while, especially on the song Awful Dream, originally by Lightnin’ Hopkins, this version of the song featuring iconic Punk frontman Iggy Pop. The different vocal styles of the guests on Orgy Of The Damned stops the album from becoming stale and to be honest Slash has achieved that God like level of stardom where he can pretty much do whatever he wants. When you think about it, that is what rock music has always stood for and has been about, forging your own path and not being worried about others may think of your efforts.
Whether you grew up knowing Slash for his years spent with Guns N' Roses or you are a fan of blues or not, live dangerously, open your mind to a new genre that you may not of been a fan of to begin with, you may just surprise yourself. This album may take a few more listens to really grow, I can definitely respect him for wanting to try something completely different that fans would not be expecting of him.
