If you're not already aware of John 5's stellar guitar talents from his past solo albums or work with Rob Zombie, David Lee Roth, Marilyn Manson, Meat Loaf,and Paul Stanley, then definitely make The Devil Knows My Name your first experience with this gifted musician. Featuring known guests such as Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, Zakk Wylde, Jim Root, Piggy D, Matt Bissonette, and others, this latest solo outing is a spirited and wild affair of guitar zaniness, catchy melodies, varied musical styles, and tons of chops.
Fusing elements of hard rock, metal, country, prog rock, glam, and rockabilly into one single force, John 5 might be one of the most well-rounded players on the contemporary shred scene. Listen to him trade licks with Joe Satriani on the electric insanity of "The Werewolf of Westeria", or duel with Eric Johnson on the heavy yet progressive blues/jazz of "The Washing Away of Wrong", two pieces filled with mind-blowing riffs and complex solos. For an example of Steve Morse-meets-Eddie Van Halen chickin' pickin', there's the intense bluegrass metal of "27 Needles", and "Dead Art Plainfield" is simply a tasty slice of melodic hard rock, featuring John 5's stunning legato licks amidst driving rhythms and metallic grooves. Fans of the more country-ish elements of the guitarists' music will love the Chet Atkins flavored "Young Thing", and 80's metal- heads will have fun with John's take on the Guns 'n' Roses classic "Welcome to the Jungle".
If only all instrumental guitar albums were as fun as The Devil Knows My Name, the world would be a much better place. It's about time that musical virtuosity took on a more prominent role in contemporary music-here's hoping that John 5 can help change all of that.
Track Listing
1) First Victim
2) The Werewolf of Westeria
3) 27 Needles
4) Bella Kiss
5) Black Widow of La Porte
6) Welcome to the Jungle
7) Harold Rollings Hymn
8) Dead Art Plainfield
9) Young Thing
10) The Washing Away of Wrong
11) July 31st (The Last Stand)
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