Review Summary: Apocalyptic Love is arena rock as basic as it comes, and if you're not a fan of that, you won't be a fan of this.
Slash’s last solo album, conveniently named Slash, was basically a show of guitar riffs and superstar singers, the album feature well known artists like Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy of Motörhead fame, M. Shadows from Avenged Sevenfold, Kid Rock, Iggy Pop and even Fergie. It was a bit of fun rock ‘n roll, though it’s singers were the main drawing point of the album, rather than the music itself. After touring with Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge fame, Slash had decided the two of them will team up, bringing in Myles as his permanent singer and releasing the album Apocalyptic Love.
Once again, this is just classic, fun rock ‘n roll. There’s no serious themes to be discussed on the album, it’s not dark, it’s not depressing, it’s all upbeat, basic drum and guitar songs with a few solo’s chucked in a plethora of high notes from Myles Kennedy. Almost every song on Apocalyptic Love follows the same formula, a basic verse, followed by a loud, chanting chorus, a guitar solo, another chorus and another guitar solo. This is an album that people who like nothing better than sitting in their garage listening to bands like AC/DC and classic Guns ‘N Roses will love, but anyone who’s expecting anything else may be a bit disappointed.
It’s not that the album sounds bad, because Myles Kennedy is a terrific singer, and Slash is an extremely talented guitarist, the bassist and drummer (that go by the name The Conspirators) round out the band with some basic drum beats and practically unnoticeable bass riffs. Once again, this is just classic rock ‘n roll. Just the album title alone gives you a slight hint regarding how the album may turn out. Songs like Apocalyptic Love, One Last Thrill, We Will Roam, Hard & Fast, Far And Away and Shots Fired can prove how basic this album is just by looking at the back cover. Sure, they sound good (for the most part), but it’s just music that has nothing going for it. Myles Kennedy is well-known for his upbeat, at times seemingly bible-bashing lyrics from Alter Bridge, but even the dull lyrics penned for that band are better than what you’ll get on this album.
There are a few highlights on the album, lead single You’re A Lie is a fantastic song, even if it perfectly follows the formula I previously mentioned. One Last Thrill has a real garage-rock sound to it, but the album just gets more tedious as it goes on. The last five songs on the album is everything you’ve heard on the previous ten, apart from Far And Away, which’s acoustic quality is refreshing and has a nice feeling to it.
In summary, Apocalyptic Love is arena rock as basic as it comes, and if you’re not a fan of that, you won’t be a fan of this.
6/10.
