John 5
Artist: John5
Album: God Told Me To
Label: Membran
OUT NOW
Rating: 5/5
John 5’s new album ‘God Told Me To’, out 14th May, takes fans in a new direction as he widens his repertoire once more in his sixth solo album.
Opening with the wild and manic ‘Welcome to Violence’, a frenzied attack of fierce riffs, the album is a showcase of the guitarist’s fantastic ability. So it should, John 5 has worked with the best: Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie and Rob Halford feature in his impressive resume. He is due to work with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Rod Stewart later this year and headlining shows with metal legends Megadeth.
After an impressive introduction to the album ahead, John revives Michael Jackson’s Beat it, injecting huge bates of energy into the classic with powerful chords. It’s a wonderful tribute, and one of the many highlights of the album.
‘God Told Me To’ then meanders its way through heavy metal and acoustic numbers, with track three, ‘Asland Bump’, acquiring a folk feel. It’s soulful and easy listening. It’s almost as if John is recuperating in order to belt out ‘Killafornia’, a heavy, stompy tune with moments of melodic pleasure in between his frantic riffing.
After another furious guitar playing display in ‘The Hill of the Seven Jackals’, John surprises us once more with the delightful and authentic ‘Noche Acosador’, an acoustic gem reminiscent of Spanish flamenco, one of the best moments of the album.
The highlight of ‘God Told Me To’ is the finale. ‘Creepy Crawler’ is beautifully haunting and almost mournful. The song eventually gathers pace and emotion, before quietly drifting out.
John 5 fans should revel in how this album is a development on his usual style.
Heavy metal fans need to get this album. Acoustic fans need to get this album. Everybody… get this album!
Female First
Click to buy: John5 - God Told Me To Album