John 5

The Art of Malice

released May 11, 2010

The hardest thing a non-guitar player can do is review a guitar instrumental rock CD… kinda. It is not that hard to do when the CD is by one of this generations guitar gods, John 5. John 5 has released his fifth studio CD (not including the remix CD ‘Remixploitation’) and it rocks.

It would seem working with Rob Zombie seems to agree with John on the happy scale, as this CD is leaps and bounds a happier sounding CD than the last studio effort, ‘Requiem’, which happens to be my personal favorite. Don’t be mistaken, you are not going to hear a bunch of Zombie tracks without vocals. John can write music… and well. This one runs a close second as a complete package. There are definite hints of the high points form each of his CDs, but they seem to soar to new heights here.

The first track, “The Nightmare Unravels” is a great piece of guitar work that seems to be an elaborate exercise or warm-up. That moves nicely into the title track and the CD moves fluidly along from there. Each song seems to build on the other, almost telling a story while building on the recording history of this extraordinary guitarist.

The CD is flowing and then I am struck down by two consecutive tracks. Being a Michigander for the better part of my life and always being a part (somehow) of the Metro Detroit scene, I instantly fall for the tune, “Wayne County Killer” and its murderous licks. Once this piece guitar wizardry finishes, a familiar sound leaves the speakers and hits my ears… the opening strands of Ace Frehley’s instrumental piece, “Fractured Mirror,” from his 1978 KISS solo record. John plays this piece note for note and does absolute justice to the song. As a lifelong KISS fan, I am pleased.

That song alone makes the CD, but I will say, if you want a great guitar album full of licks and tricks, this is the CD for you.

Todd Jolicouer