Album Review: Slash – Orgy Of The Damned

Review by Rick Eaglestone for MPM

One of the most prolific guitarists of the modern age Slash turns his hand to the blues on collaborative studio album Orgy Of The Damned

I think it’s safe to assume that if you are reading this there is a very high percentage you already know the man behind the album or at the very least have heard his work, Slash is an entity all in himself and even now around three and half decades from when I was introduced to his worked via Heavy Metal Heaven hosted by Elvira he is still for me one of the best string for string musicians on the globe so when I heard that his latest album Orgy Of The Damned was going to be a blues album it of course piqued my interest as on a sunny Sunday afternoon there is nothing better than a good serving of Delta Blues

Upon my first glance of the album, I was impressed that over the twelve tracks there seems some interesting inclusions and some also noticeable absences and perusing through the albums track list there was a temptation to dig straight into the bit hitters that scream out from the page but we all know that an album is a listening experience so I didn’t want to sully that put flicking backwards and forwards throughout.

Album opener The Pusher is a breezy and mellow reworking of Steppenwolf’s which is most noticeable for its inclusion in the movie Easy Rider which is then followed by a track that I am incredibly familiar as I have a fair few Robert Johnson releases in my collection, now Gary Clarke Jr does a good job but for me I think the original will never be beaten and although there are some wonderful mellow tones it is just a little rambunctious for me

This is immediately followed with a plethora of harmonicas for Hoochie Coochie Man which has the gravel tones of ZZ Tops Billy Gibbons and the whole thing flows like velvet, it is truly remarkable and wonderful fit plus Slash’s guitarwork is particularly noteworthy. It is one of the most covered blues tracks worldwide but this is done authentically with some nice touches.

An absolute genius selection arrives Oh Well features the talents of singer, songwriter Chris Stapleton and is stark contrast to the previous track really showcasing how diverse as a genre the blues can be, this is followed by Key To The Highway feat Doroty which neatly compliments the previous track making this my favourite section of the album.

Awful Dream is a track that on paper should work as it features Iggy Pop but I just couldn’t get on board with it or connect with it on any level which is a shame it also doesn’t help that straight after Paul Rodgers fires in with Born Under A Bad Sign almost immediately making the track almost forgettable.

I think one of my most eager tracks to select was Papa Was A Rolling Stone which features Demi Lavato and full disclosure I am team Here We Go Again all day long and well, this track was everything I wanted it to be sweeping almost doors like elements with pure power – absolutely hands down the highlight track for me.

The albums first single Killing Floor makes a late appearance and not only shines a different light on AC DC’s Brian Johnson but also features some sublime harmonica pieces from Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler

“When Slash asked me to sing on ‘Killing Floor,’ I said yes immediately. It was one of the first songs I learned in my very first band, and when he played me the backing track it was a no-brainer, and
Steven’s harmonica is so bloody hot.  I had a ball with Slash in the studio, and I think we did this great old song justice. Rock on.

–Brian Johnson (AC/DC)

The album concludes with a great trilogy of tracks – Stevie Wonder’s Living For The City which Tash Neal does a wonderful rendition on, the near eight might Stormy Monday which has a real Gary Moore vibe to it and lastly the album concludes with the ambitious instrumental Metal Chestnut which has the flare of musical prowess throughout

For me the inspirations are clearly there I am just not sure that if it was 100% executed throughout although that’s purely personal and if I had this on in the car, I don’t think I would be so quick to skip certain selections in favour of others as overall it’s a well-constructed collaborative creation.

“Orgy Of The Damned” Track list

1. The Pusher (with Chris Robinson)
2. Crossroads (with Gary Clarke Jr.)
3. Hoochie Coochie Man (with Billy Gibbons)
4. Oh Well (with Chris Stapleton)
5. Key To The Highway (with Dorothy Martin)
6. Awful Dream (with Iggy Pop)
7. Born Under A Bad Sign (with Paul Rodgers)
8. Papa Was A Rolling Stone (with Demi Levato)
9. Killing Floor (with Brian Johnson)
10. Living For The City (with Tash Neal)
11. Stormy Day (with Beth Hart)
12. Metal Chestnut

Line-up:

Line-up:

Slash: lead & rhythm guitars
Tash Neal: rhythm guitars & vocals on “Living For The City”
Johnny Griparic: bass
Michael Jerome: drums
Teddy Andreadis: keyboards

SLASH’s Orgy of the Damned is available digitally, on vinyl and CD via Gibson Records for pre-order HERE.

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