Without a doubt the best album of 2014 and the coolest Slash has ever made since Guns N' Roses.
By Fabio Bonnies (*)
When the folks at Wikimetal asked me to write about the new Slash & The Conspirators album, I felt honored, after all, I consider myself one of the biggest fans of this guy.
The man in the top hat in question has one of the most commendable careers in music today. Possessing a strong personality, he exudes and inspires Rock N' Roll in its purest essence, ever since he started in one of the greatest rock bands in history, Guns N' Roses, and later participating in studio work and shows with some of the biggest names in music of all time.
Since his Snakepit days, Slash has released incredible work, from Velvet Revolver to his solo career, where he has already released two great albums. This one, however, surpasses all his previous work. When I heard it, I was shocked, both by the excellent songs full of memorable riffs and solos that are his specialty, and by the production. Produced by Michael Baskette (Ratt, Cinderella, Alter Bridge, Falling Reverse, Incubus), the album was recorded entirely on tape, as bands did in the golden age of rock, giving it a more vibrant and visceral sound.
"World On Fire" is an album that makes you want to listen to it while driving aimlessly, or even with the lights off, lying in bed and paying attention to every detail, or finally in a bar or club partying with your friends. Without a doubt the best album of 2014 and the coolest Slash has ever made since Guns N' Roses.
If everything I've written isn't enough, I'll give you 17 reasons (track by track) to listen to "World On Fire," as I consider it an album that no one's collection should be without.
World On Fire : The title track, which was the album's first single, starts with a killer riff that makes you want to speed away, and features a really cool chorus. A perfect choice to open the album.
Shadow Life : It starts with a fingerpicking style that immediately makes you feel Slash's playing, then the song kicks in with great riffs and an impeccable melody by Myles Kennedy.
Automatic Overdrive : Another great riff, deviating a bit from the style we're used to hearing him play. It's somewhat reminiscent of Iron Maiden, with a key modulation at the end that further reinforces this more Metal-oriented sound from the Iron Maiden, but don't be fooled, the song still remains true to the bluesy Rock N' Roll style of master Saul. Hard to imagine? You'll have to hear it to understand what I'm talking about.
Wicked Stone : A riff with a really cool swing and Todd Kerns' bass sound is sensational.
30 Years to Life : Finally, an intro with slide guitar, followed by doubled guitars. The song has very downbeat lyrics, reminiscent of old Blues icons, and a really cool solo in the style of Guns N' Roses' "Use Your Illusion" era.
"Beneath The Savage Sun" has the best riff Slash has ever written since Guns N' Roses: Heavy, dark, and very rock 'n' roll."
Bent to Fly : The lyrics for this track were written for Ola Hudson, Slash's mother, who passed away in 2009 and had a great influence on his artistic side. The song is calmer and builds to a beautiful chorus, featuring a very bluesy and characteristic solo by him.
Stone Blind : The song features an almost dark riff, with great vocals from Myles on top, and descends into another great Rock N' Roll riff, plus a very catchy chorus and a killer solo. One of the coolest tracks on the album.
Too Far Gone : Great rhythm section and a solo full of the bends that made him famous.
Beneath The Savage Sun : The best riff Slash has ever done since Guns N' Roses: Heavy, dark, and very rock-oriented. The best song on the album in my opinion.
Withered Delilah : Another great Rock N' Roll riff, full of cool licks and a really upbeat groove.
Battleground : A great ballad that starts with a really cool fingerpicking and a very good bass line from Todd with a perfect tone reminiscent of Duff McKagan. Myles' vocals are great on this one, and the melody in the chorus is beautiful. There's a very nice solo too. At the end, the song goes into a perfect "la la la" to be sung in chorus at shows.
Dirty Girl : Typical Hard Rock lyrics from 80s bands, the name already shows it. It starts with a drum beat followed by guitars that are reminiscent of Snakepit's era music and a catchy chorus. And the solo… oh yes, the solo… sensational.
Iris of The Storm : Striking drums and riff in the intro, and finally a solo with wah-wah, the only song on the album where he uses this effect for an entire solo.
Avalon : A slightly faster tempo and a great solo with catchy choruses.
The Dissident : It begins with a country/blues music vignette and launches into a very cheerful solo, different from his usual style. Another catchy chorus full of "oh, oh, oh" that will certainly be perfect live for fans to sing along to.
Safari Inn : The instrumental track from the album. Quite different from anything he's done before, it borders on fusion and in some parts recalls Joe Satriani and Steve Vai in the harmony and rhythm section, but of course, amidst all this, he leaves his characteristic mark in the solos. But don't be fooled into thinking it was made for guitar students; we know that our beloved guitarist in question doesn't make that kind of music. Excellent song.
The Unholy : The last song on the album, very good, with a very downbeat mood and reminiscent of Alice In Chains' best days, especially in the way Myles sings the main verse, over a fingerpicking style that also matches the "vibe" of the song, and of course, a very inspired solo. A great ending to a great album.
(*) Fabio Bonnies is the bassist for the band Sioux 66
