THE MAN who managed to redefine the unwritten rules of Sex, Drugs and Rock N F’kn Roll is back. This time he’s out with friends on what is actually classed as his first solo album. What an ensemble of friends this guy has.

On this metal A-list they include Chris Cornell, Fergie, Iggy Pop, Ozzy, Lemmy and Dave Grohl to name a few. Working with the latter alongside old amigo Duff McKagen on the instrumental track Watch This, you expect Rock and what do you get? Pretty much what you ought to be with palm mutes everywhere, heavy riffs which will delightfully remind the old GNR fans have how it used to be.

This is a very American Rock sound rather than tipping into the heavier Metal side. It’s more melodic and pleasantly vocal with the harmonious backing. You know, like how Aerosmith would do it. However, there are one or two tracks that dive a little deeper. Nothing To Say featuring M. Shadow from Avenged Sevenfold possesses solid, lightening riffs. If you’ve got to the end of Guitar Hero 3, then you’ll be right with me on this one.

I feel a sense of achievement for him when he plays because no matter what’s has happened, he’s still going strong. He’s still got it. For an old school Rock fan, it’s like listening to an old friend from school who’s finally made it to the big-time.

This is a cool album, very solid, very typical almost with solo moments galore. I find it good to hear the collaborations working in Slash’s style of Rock, even though their are moments where he is tinkering in the singers more usual style like M. Shadow’s and also with Saint Is A Sinner featuring Rocco DeLuca which is more like a Spanish acoustic along with the big band style. Cracking production on that as well as throughout the whole record.

One track that makes me smile is We’re All Gonna Die featuring Iggy Pop. He sings a bit like Axl, more so when he does the speaking parts but considering you’ve two veteran Rockers who have both been on the brink of death through their antics over the decades, this track makes me nod rhythmically in empathy.

If Beautiful Dangerous featuring Fergie is not released as a single, the management need shooting. It’s the best song she’s ever sung on. The inner Rock Chick has been unleashed and the woman can knock out some notes indeed.

For now though, solid Rock N F’kn Roll dudes.