SLASH ‘ORGY OF THE DAMNED’: SOULFUL, AUTHENTIC BLUES MUSIC INFUSED WITH STRONG ROCK MELODIES
ALBUM REVIEW | SLASH – ORGY OF THE DAMNED by Keira Knox
We did not anticipate a blues record for rock legend SLASH’s sixth solo album; however, this record represents a new level for the Grammy Award winning musician, raising the bar within the industry. Taking SLASH’S incredible talent and blending it with a plethora of some of the greatest musicians and singers currently out there, makes this record a distinctive and beautifully arranged piece of art.
Twelve powerful tracks from Orgy of the Damned revive the blues in a more understated manner. Honouring both well-known and mainly unheard songs, SLASH gives a sentimental tribute to the past while bringing the songs back to life with his unique guitar playing and collaborative attitude. This star-studded masterpiece features simply stunning vocals from Brain Johnson (AC/DC), Chris Stapleton, Iggy Pop, Beth Hart, Gary Clark Jr, Billy F Gibbons (ZZ Top), Paul Rodgers, Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes), Demi Lovato, Dorothy, and Tash Neal.
Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes and SLASH collaborate on the album’s opening tune, ‘The Pusher‘, which is a melancholic and passionate song. This mid-tempo tune soars due to the chemistry between SLASH and Robinson. With its slower tempo, ‘The Pusher‘ might seem like an unexpected choice for the record’s first track, yet it instantly establishes the tone progressing into the album. For me, Gary Clark Jr. is the perfect vocalist to appear on ‘Crossroads‘. With tight guitar and pounding percussion, it is a touch boisterous in sections. Expecting SLASH’s trademark powerful, rhythmic riffs, this track is an enthusiastic and booming number that eventually transitions into a sluggish blues with sharp guitar solos. A contemporary take on a classic blues song.
‘Oh Well’, the renowned early Peter Green/Fleetwood Mac tune features the rough vocals of outlaw country hero Chris Stapleton. This track has yet another exquisite arrangement. Together with SLASH’s unquestionable skill and guitar expertise, Stapleton’s raw and powerful vocals create a cover for the ages. It embodies everything that this record is about: soulful, authentic blues music infused with strong rock melodies.
With a more R&B-influenced sound, Demi Lovato joins SLASH in their rendition of The Temptations’ ‘Papa Was a Rolling Stone‘. A strong youthful, powerful female voice that carries an unwavering amount of emotion and soul. Piercing guitar riffs harmonise with Lovato’s impressive vocal range, before bursting into life, creating a rhythm that truly adds a unique perspective to this classic track. A personal favourite of mine on the album. SLASH performs ‘Awful Dream‘, a Lightnin’ Hopkins song, acoustically, with punk icon Iggy Pop. It is a strange combo, but oh my goodness, you are going to love it. Paul Rodgers, formerly of Free and Bad Company, performs a classic, Albert King‘s ‘Born Under a Bad Sign‘. It appears Rodgers was destined to sing blues music. Singing at a lower tone than usual, Brian Johnson of AC/DC performs ‘Killing Floor’ by Howlin Wolf. Hearing these legendary rock & roll performers switch up genres and perform such soulful blues music is brilliant.
On this album, SLASH plays more of a supporting role than a lead role, letting his collaborators’ powerful voices shine. He must be commended, though, for despite being a rock icon, he has managed to encapsulate the spirit of blues music while retaining his signature sound and guitar riffs. This record is one for the ages.
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