Review
Having just reviewed an album with barely a guitar solo in sight, it is therefore almost timely that I now sit to review this the fifth studio release from former Marilyn Manson and current Rob Zombie guitarist, John 5 aka John Lowery. Unless you are a fan or either Marilyn Manson or Rob Zombie, or you are a guitar head, then you could be forgiven for having not heard of John 5 before. But once you read his jaw dropping resume, then you would be scratching your head thinking how could you have not? Either playing with or contributing to or recording with, John 5 has worked with Rob Zombie, Rob Halford, Marilyn Manson, David Lee Roth, Lita Ford, Paul Stanley, Meatloaf, Scorpions, KD Lang, Robin Zander, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rick Springfield and even Salt N Pepa! Now that’s a diverse line up....
Unsuprisingly, given that resume “The Art Of Malice” too is a diverse piece of work. Whilst I certainly appreciate instrumental guitar albums and the likes of guitarists Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani etc, I certainly don’t proclaim to be a “shredder” and therefore from instrumental guitar albums I seek songs, rather than necessarily song after song of jaw dropping pyrotechnics. Over an enjoyable 45 minutes or so, “The Art Of Malice” balances the two almost perfectly, whilst also stamping a distinct identity/personality...which you don’t have to look much past the album cover for that :)
The aptly titled “The Nightmare Unravels” does just that, with it’s suspenseful opening tones the prelude to an onslaught of industrial and then thrashy riffs, before some lightning fast pyrotechnics add another dimension. I know it’s a cliche, but this SONG literally did have me on the edge of my seat, not quite sure where the next turn would take me. Notice how I emphasised the word SONG....
In the first of a few tracks that display John 5’s guitar talents in the area of country, bluegrass, spanish, picking and clean tones, the title track is just a brief introduction into what is to come. “I’ll Will Or Spite” with punchy riff’s evolves into a melodic chorus reminding of “Surfing With The Alien” era Joe Satriani, a track perfect for those action sequences. The track “J.W” displays the varying talents of this gifted guitarist, with the 60’s sounding song being a tip of the hat to the likes of Chet Atkins and country jazz, likewise “Steel Guitar Rag” with it’s crackling vinyl tones, transports me to images of a guitarist sitting on a back porch in the USA in the days when guitars had barely been founded, before the song becomes a toe tapping romp. Now who would of expected this from a guitarist primarily known for his work with Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie??
“Ya Dig” featuring Billy Sheehan on bass, is an ode dedicated to David Lee Roth and is a frenetic song that certainly has that heavy Van Halen kinda vibe aka “Hot For Teacher”. In stark contrast, the emotive, melodic and in comparison to most of the tracks on this album, minimalistic “Can I Live Again”, sees the listener transported on a journey through the song, where John 5 rely’s solely on song structure, rather than his talents with the guitar. A true highlight of the album... “Portrayed As Unremorseful” brings out the blazing guns again and features some slightly subtle Jimmy Page references midway through. Whilst “Fractured Mirror” is a direct tribute to Ace Frehley and a rendition of Ace’s song.
Closing with the acoustic “The Last Page Turned”, I can only hope this isn’t the last page turned in the solo career of John 5. As a guitarist and personality who has been more associated with the stronger and dominant personalities of Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie, “The Art Of Malice” is a wonderful and thoroughly enjoyable insight into the evidently innovative and diverse personality of John 5, songwriter and guitarist.
Official Press Release
John 5 has one of the most impressive resumes in rock. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, across a variety of genres and is known as one of the best modern shredders today. He is even likened to the Page or Hendrix of THIS generation! However, you could be forgiven if you hadn’t heard of him, but he is one of the most admired and respected players on the planet.
John 5 joined shock rock troupe Marilyn Manson in 1998 where he remained until 2004. He then released 3 solo album before gaining a new permanent position as guitarist for Rob Zombie. Steve Vai referred to John as an “underrated guitar giant”.
Now with ‘The Art Of Malice’ John 5 continues to build his own reputation and continues to write for other artists. His hard work has paid off. John 5 is no longer just ‘that dude in that band’ he is an artist in his own right and is changing the way people listen to guitar music today.
