If Rock-n-Roll were a walking, talking, breathing, being; the Blues would be the life blood and soul of that being. From giants the likes of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, to a certain band called Guns N’ Roses each got their inspiration from the Blues. It was not just the riffs that compelled them, but the raw recordings unenhanced by computers or overused production studios, topped by lyrics of despair and honesty. Long before parents and Pastors blew a gasket over Mötley Crüe’s 1983 album Shout at the Devil, there was Blues Guitar legend Robert Johnson, who per lore went to the Crossroads and sold his soul to the Devil to be the greatest blues guitarist. Hard to argue against it when Johnson only had 2 recording sessions (San Antonio 1936 and Dallas 1937) and yet produced material that is still the foundation to musical artistry. A foundation that was added to by iconic names such as Muddy Waters, Albert King, and B.B. King. Artists so profound and ground shaking, that decades later some of the most cherished musicians still feel the need to pay homage to them.
If you are not familiar with the Guitarist Slash from the infamous Guns N’ Roses, one has to wonder where you have been for the past 4 decades. His signature curly wild long hair and black top hat is as recognizable as his smooth guitar sound grounded in it’s Blues foundation. The influence was so perfect that many wanted to hear Slash take to the road, playing that woefully hypnotic sound of old for fans. In the ’90s some had a chance to experience a tour delivering just that called Slash’s Blues Ball alongside Bassist Johnny Griparic and Keyboardist Teddy Andreadis. Don’t fret too much if you did not get to experience it, because they finally hit the studio to record the appropriately named, Orgy of the Damned. Out on Gibson Records on May 17, 2024, Slash and company are also joined by Michael Jerome on drums and Singer/Guitarist Tash Neal who appears on tracks they have played before, as well as some new additions. In a world where people seem to be forgetting their history, this album truly stands to remind many the magnitude of these composers and what they meant.
This in mind, Orgy of the Damned does not wait to take hold of you as the harmonic sound of guitar feedback leads you right into the smooth unmistakable melody of Steppenwolf’s “The Pusher.” Slash indicated he wanted to make one major change to these tracks, getting different artists to front each track, and right off the bat he does not disappoint bringing in Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes. Just as his voice radiated a charismatic Blues like feel since the Black Crowes 1990 debut Shake Your Money Maker, it perfectly complimented the carefully arrangement of the band. Powerful and smooth, the rejuvenation of this classic is undeniable.
As discussed earlier, Robert Johnson is an artist who’s genius truly transcends time and space. Slash and company deliver the evidence with an unmatched version on this album. This time the vocal and added guitar work is delivered by none other than Gary Clark Jr. Many maybe familiar with Gary Clark Jr.’s massive cover of the Beatles’ “Come Together” for the Justice League movie, but also his albums such as 2019’s This Land and 2012’s Blak and Blu; all stand as testament to his immense guitar and musical talent. The combination of his and Slash’s guitar skills truly adds a whole new dimension to this track… and also coming with some great surprises. While initially rather fast paced, it shifts speeds and really brings home those Blues feelings as they slow it down.
Moving forward, the question arises – what happens when you combine Slash with the legendary Billy F Gibbons of ZZ Top to cover one of Muddy Water’s staple songs, “Hoochie Coochie Man”? Absolute musical perfection is the answer. Gibbons rough and low voice is the perfect attitude that gives the very soul to a guitar riff that is so vital to not only the Blues and Rock-n-Roll, but even early Heavy Metal. If your head is not swaying to the entrancing marriage of the two, it is highly recommended that you check yourself for a pulse. This is one tribute on the album that truly stands above the rest, the song truly takes on its own persona.
Another one that is truly unforgettable is the collaboration with none other than the Godfather of Punk Iggy Pop on the unique version of Lightnin’ Hopkins’ song “Awful Dream.” Pop’s distinct voice truly breathes new life into the classic, truly bringing out the dark imagery of the lyrics. This version should not be missed as takes on a whole life of it’s own. The band also did this with a much more “upbeat” Blues classic of Howlin’ Wolf called “Killing Floor”, with AC/DC Frontman Brian Johnson. The track also features the incendiary harmonica work of Aerosmith’s legendary Frontman Steven Tyler, to truly make the song one of the most jubilant jam sessions one has heard on an album in some time.
Overall, Slash and company have truly put something together that is special and authentic with this release. As stated before, in a time when many seem to have either forgotten or abandoned history, this is an amazing compilation that if even one younger fan goes down the rabbit hole of where it leads and the musical doors it opens, all one could say is job well done. In 2024 this album should be on everyone’s wish list, and that is why Cryptic Rock gives Orgy of the Damned 3.5 out of 5 stars.
){kind=link}
No comment