Guns N' Roses - Chinese Democracy (Geffen)

After 15 years of album silence and a revolving line-up of drummers that would make Spinal Tap blush, Guns N' Roses are back, and this time it seems like they might actually stick around.

The album, as a whole, is a musical journey throughout the bands turbulent past and uncertain future. For the first time since 1987, Guns N' Roses are at the mercy of a record buying public, and it's their current output (aside from their image and touring) that defines their future activities.

'Catcher In The Rye' and 'Street Of Dreams' echo back to 'November Rain' and show the listener that Axl has not forgotten his romantic past. Alternatively, songs such as 'I.R.S.' retain the power and force of 'You Could Be Mine', and prove that the fire is still burning. The biggest departure from the band's original sound is 'Shackler's Revenge' and 'Rhiad and the Bedouins'; they are both heavy, industrial tracks, with overlaying percussion and effects throughout, as well as pacey vocals that can be compared to the song 'Garden of Eden' from Use Your Illusion 1.

Strangely, it's the recently departed Buckethead who makes the biggest impact: his guitar work is intact and impressive-sounding on overdrawn rock concertos such as 'If The World', 'There Was A Time' and 'Prostitute'. Other duties are shared between NINs man Robin Finck, Bumblefoot, Paul Tobias and Richard Fortus. Drums are split between Frank Ferrer and Brain Mania. Bass duties come from Tommy Stintson, with secondary bass from percussionist Chris Pitman. Rounding off the group is Dizzy Reed, who has been with GNR since 1990, and retains his spot on keyboards. It's a huge roster, and just to show Axl isn't a bad sport, he himself plays guitar on the track 'There Was A Time'.

Some songs spin off in several directions, ending like a rendition of the Beatles' 'Hey Jude', with constant repeating and soloing before echoing off slowly into the distance. Other tracks, like the Pink Floyd inspired 'Sorry', are an interesting blend of cosmic rock and doom metal. Like all albums, its best some tracks are left off, and on this album only one track - Scraped - springs to mind.

Overall, 71 minutes of GNR mayhem and madness that's sure to remind you, whether you like it or not, that Guns N Roses are back!

Rating: 5/5

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Artist: Guns N Roses Title: Greatest Hits Released: 23/03/2004 Buy Now \| View Details	Artist: Guns N Roses Title: Appetite for.. Released: 25/10/1990 Buy Now \| View Details

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Reviews

Guns N' Roses - Chinese Democracy (Geffen)
After 15 years of album silence and a revolving line-up of drummers that would make Spinal Tap blush, Guns N' Roses are back, and this time it seems like they might actually stick around.

18/03/2010
Weblink

Guns N Roses' official website (currently streaming new audio content)
http://www.gunsnroses.com/

18/03/2010
Weblink

GNR Forum for the Fans
http://www.gnrsource.com/

18/03/2010
Weblink

Official UK album release site
http://www.chinesedemocracy.co.uk/

YOUR COMMENTS

Neo in Earth writes...
This album truly and purely KICKS ASS!!! BUY IT!

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