HARDWARES

Unlike SLASH’s first post-VELVET REVOLVER solo album, which featured a myriad of guest singers and musicians, Apocalyptic Love sees the former Gunner re-team with the nucleus of his touring band – vocalist Myles Kennedy (ALTER BRIDGE), bassist Todd Kerns (SIN CITY SINNERS) and drummer Brent Fitz (UNION) – for an absolutely rockin’ 13-song soundtrack to the summer of 2012. First single ‘You’re A Lie’ continues to dominate North American radio airwaves; and with good reason, it’s so damn catchy! Hands down, second single should be ‘No More Heroes’, another ridiculously infectious tune. The key to both of these gems lies in their irresistible hooks and sing-along choruses. Admittedly, some of the other cuts, such ‘Hard & Fast’ and ‘Standing In The Sun’ – which bears a slight resemblance to GUNS N’ ROSES’ ‘Locomotive’ with its rumbling riff – are growers, requiring a few listens before they too rattle around your brain long after the disc’s done. Mid-way through, ‘Anastasia’ offers a beautiful acoustic intro followed by a superb picking pattern, while ‘Not For Me’ takes things down a notch, allowing Myles to show his tender side. Throughout the entire album, Slash solos effortlessly and admirably; proving he truly is a guitar icon without parallel. The deluxe edition of Apocalyptic Love includes two bonus tracks: ‘Carolina’, which sees Slash hit the talk box, and ‘Crazy Life’, guaranteed to have your foot stompin’ before you know it. Also included in the deluxe version is a free t-shirt offer and bonus 30-minute DVD comprised of interviews with each of the four guys, providing insight into the creative process, as well as footage of the band rehearsing and recording a handful of songs live off the floor at Barefoot Studios in Hollywood, CA. Pity the lyrics weren’t included in the booklet, but it’s hard to imagine Apocalyptic Love sounding any better; as the only album to top it thus far this year is VAN HALEN’s A Different Kind Of Truth.