Review: J5 & The Creatures at 1175 Sports Park: “not just a man with a guitar, it’s a musical experience.”
From MadnessToCreation.net:
Whether or not you’re familiar with his work, the show is an experience in itself. It’s almost incomprehensible how easily John switches from picking to plucking to slapping his guitar, and even briefly playing it with a plastic Elmo toy. He changes instruments mid-song, just to play a different solo on a smaller guitar, or even a banjo. All of this looks effortless as he does it. It’s as if we’re invited to his daily practice, a jam session, as he barely breaks a sweat on stage playing some of the most complicated guitar tracks I have ever heard. It’s clear and undeniable that he is a multi-talented, musical virtuoso, and likely one of the greatest living guitarists….
Although it was a smaller than average sized crowd, not unexpected for a Tuesday night at a bar in rural Wisconsin, the front of the pit was packed, and fans cheered for their favorite tracks and solos for the entirety of the one hour plus set. This is not just a man with a guitar, it’s a musical experience.
Read the review in full here: madnesstocreation.net/review-john-5-creatures-live-at-1175-sports
Photo Credit: Ian Storck at 3 Count Photography
The Creatures show at Reggies, November 2019, reviewed: “nothing beats seeing a musician enjoying themselves when they are performing”.
A fantastic review of the John 5 and The Creatures show at Reggies in Chicago, IL, on November 2nd from Loud Hailer Magazine:
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – nothing beats seeing a musician enjoying themselves when they are performing, rather than just going through the motions and cashing the checks. Throughout the show, John 5 could not keep the smile off his face, it was contagious. The energy was reciprocated both on and off stage.
The unique skills he displays on the cornucopia of guitars will never cease to amaze. An entertaining and enthralling show throughout. This is an annual tradition we hope will carry on for years to come. It’s great to see familiar and new faces getting to enjoy the unique show. Long may it continue!
Read the review in full and see pictures from the show here: loudhailermagazine.com/concert-reviews/john-5-the-creatures-at-reggies-in-chicago-il/
To get your tickets & VIP packages for the Invasion Tour 2019 and all other shows go to our tour page.
MXDWN Music reviews Invasion: “Eclectic, strange and satisfying”.
Another brilliant review on the album Invasion from John 5 and The Creatures, this time from MXDWN Music.
“Some other notable songs on the album are “Howdy,” “Crank It – Living With Ghosts” and “I Like the Funk.” Each of these songs is incredibly different from each other, which is part of what makes them worth mentioning. “Howdy” is filled with country guitar licks and some impressive picking that not many artists can accomplish. It’s fast-paced and fun, and Lowery shows that he can be much more than a rock guitarist. “Crank It – Living With Ghosts” is worth mentioning not because it’s a great song, but because it’s an odd one that will remain memorable. A robotic voice says throughout “crank it mother fucker,” and though it’s a little bit strange, it gets stuck in listener’s heads for sure. Finally, “I Like the Funk” brings in the funk style on the album, with some funky guitar riffs meshing in with the rock ones.”
Read the review in full here: music.mxdwn.com/2019/07/31/reviews/john-5-invasion/
Go Venue reviews Invasion. An “explosive new album that shreds, taps and riffs into the soul”.
Last week John 5 and The Creatures released their third album together (and the ninth solo studio release from John 5). There have already been some outstanding reviews for the album, and this one from Go Venue Magazine also heaps praise on Invasion:
“The nexus of the album is the guitar, and the use of styles and flavors to indicate the eclectic study base that has created John 5’s ability is astounding. The technical ability can be heard by a novice to expert ear, the pace and texture remains smooth and the effect and amplification is that of a master at work. It is no mistake that the varying styles are supported so well by both bass and drums too, ‘Logan MilesNix‘ drops to a country feel, funk and sporadic jazz fills to weave the underground of each track as necessary, again showcasing the talent of the musicianship in the band. ‘Ian Ross‘ gives the basslines groove and threads each sequence perfectly and uses effect subtly and yet in equity with the rest of the track.”
Read the review in full here: govenuemagazine.com/review-invasion-john-5-creatures/
nvasion is available now digitally and a Limited Edition box set or the digipack CD are available to pre-order (coming September 1st): https://smarturl.it/invasionalbumJ5
KNAC reviews Invasion: “What makes John 5 that much more of an entertainer is he isn’t simply for your ears but for your eyes as well”.
Another fantastic review for the latest John 5 and The Creatures album Invasion, which was released earlier this week (July 31st). This time from our friends at KNAC:
Not typical of other solo records where the bulk of the music is straight Rock and/or Metal, but typical of John 5 is to always add that southern twang letting the listener know where his influence blossomed from, such as the track “Howdy”, appropriately named. With some Rock-A-Billy, a hint of Psycho-Billy and some Country Blues type swings, he also adds a variety of other genres on Invasion to noodle around with. It’s plenty more Dance than anything, with light-hearted jamming allowing him to show off his virtuosity. “Crank It” proves this with the drum-n-bass beat holding steady while John 5 gives the disco track some life. On the track “Zoinks!” he and the band really go off, showing some of that versatility the entire band possesses, with lots of funk and classic rock vibration reminiscent of some Highway Star (DEEP PURPLE).
Read the review in full here: knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=33218
Invasion is available now digitally and a Limited Edition box set or the digipack CD are available to pre-order (coming September 1st): https://smarturl.it/invasionalbumJ5
Cryptic Rock reviews Invasion: “Electrically engaging until the final note”.
Yesterday (July 31st) John and The Creatures released their latest album Invasion and our friends at Cryptic Rock have given it a resounding 4.5 out of 5.
“Comparing or ranking John 5 albums seems trivial when you really should just concentrate on the individual moments and the divergence between them that the guitarist is so sly at creating. As an eleventh masterful creation that can not be denied its technical prowess, Cryptic Rock gives John 5’s Invasion 4.5 out of 5 stars.”
Read the review in full here: crypticrock.com/john-5-and-the-creatures-invasion-album-review/
Invasion is available now digitally and a Limited Edition box set or the digipack CD are available to pre-order (coming September 1st): https://smarturl.it/invasionalbumJ5
Dead Rhetoric reviews Invasion: “A cavalcade of guitar effects, sounds and styles that illustrates the depth of creativity.”
Invasion, the ninth studio album from John 5, and the third album released under the John 5 and The Creatures moniker, will come out this Wednesday (July 31st). Online magazine Dead Rhetoric have give the album 8.5 out of 10, saying;
“…Invasion is the total package. A cavalcade of guitar effects, sounds and styles that illustrates the depth of creativity and skill John 5 and The Creatures possess that will soon have you hitting the replay button to discover even more of the tricks and treats found within.”
Red the reviews in full here: deadrhetoric.com/reviews/john-5-and-the-creatures-invasion
You can pre-order ‘Invasion’ here: https://smarturl.it/
Metal Nation reviews Invasion: “The Invasion is coming, prepare to be overcome.”
Invasion is out in just FIVE MORE DAYS! Here is another FANTASTIC review, this time from our friends at Metal Nation:
Invasion is quite a bit different than J5’s other offerings, yet you can still easily hear it is John 5. He has a distinctive sound, which is incredible since he plays many different genres of music within each album. The Creatures have continued to impress with the fluid distribution of their instruments, which invade and captures the essence of the music overall. What some would possibly believe about solo guitar work and the probability of it all “sounding the same” from the same musician, would be absolutely incorrect when it comes to John 5 and the Creatures. They are remarkably diverse which keeps you interested album after album. The Invasion is coming, prepare to be overcome.
Invasion is out on July 31st (digital) and Sept 1st (CD & LTD ED Box Set) – pre-order yours here: https://smarturl.it/invasionpreorderJ5 (contains digital, and physical release options).
Outburn Magazine gives ‘Invasion’ 10 out of 10
John 5 and The Creatures next album ‘Invasion’ is out on July 31st, and Outburn Magazine have given 5’s ninth studio album a resounding 10 out of 10.
Invasion is nothing short of groundbreaking, taking multiple genres, from bluegrass to EDM, and molding them into a cohesive thematic storyline. Just look at the album cover, watch the video for “Zoinks” (with a cameo from Nikki Sixx), and listen to this record blasting from your car stereo. John 5 will take you on a wild and worthy journey.
Read the review in full here: outburn.com/music-reviews/john-5-and-the-creatures-invasion/
Pre-Order Invasion here: https://smarturl.it/invasionpreorderJ5 (contains digital, and physical release options).
Side Stage Magazine reviews John 5 and The Creatures at Manchester Music Hall
On 8 November, 2018, John 5 and The Creatures took their #famousmonsterstour to Manchester Music Hall in Lexington.
Side Stage Magazine were there to watch the show and gave this review:
“Now more than halfway through the show John 5 takes one of only two short breaks to address the crowd; “Thank everyone for coming out, it looks like we have some repeat offenders, some Creatures who are traveling to see us at several shows – which we love”. He goes on “I do this because I love playing guitar, really no other reason, I just love playing for you” The next song is from our upcoming album due out in January, it’s called “Zoinks” followed by the “Nut Jam” and “Behind the Nut Love”.”
To read the full review and see photos from the show by photographer Michael Deinlein, go here: http://www.sidestagemagazine.com/reviews/john-5-and-the-creatures-at-manchester-music-hall-11-08-2018/
[REVIEW] John 5 and The Creatures deliver a “kick-ass great show” at The Forge in Joilet, IL
On November 1, John 5 and The Creatures took their #FamousMonstersTour show, with Hellzapoppin’ Circus Revue and Wednesday 13, to Illinois. They played a show at The Forge in Joilet.
On hand to watch the show was Go Venue Magazine and they have written a review of the evening.
“Going through riff after riff the energy of the crowd continued to increase song after song. In unison, the fans start lurching back-and-forth and thrashing together. The energy of this place increases and the smile on John 5‘s face, even underneath all that stage make up, grows exponentially. I have got to say this guy really enjoys what he does and brings an energy to any space he occupies. It is simply enthralling to experience.”
Read the review in full here: govenuemagazine.com/concert-review-john-5-and-the-creatures
Tickets and VIP are still available, but are SELLING FAST! Don’t miss out! john-5.com/main/tour/
Loudwire reviews John 5 and The Creatures at the Whisky A Go Go
Check out this fantastic write-up from our friends at Loudwire for the recent John 5 and The Creatures show at the world famous Whisky A Go Go on LA’s Sunset Strip.
The Creatures were joined by some very special guests, including Nikki Sixx, Scott Ian and his wife, the singer Pearl Aday and “the number one reason I picked up guitar“, Mr Ace Frehley.
To read the review, see the set-list and some great photos from the night, go here: loudwire.com/john-5-whisky-a-go-go/
Photo by ALEX KLUFT, LOUDWIRE.
[Review] John 5 and The Creatures are “absolutely masterful”.
Ink19.com were at The Social in Orlando, FL on February 1, to see John 5 and The Creatures on their “It’s Alive” tour.
“The entire troupe was absolutely masterful – playing more precisely than most people can even think. For his part, J5 slayed ’em all – big guitars, little guitars, banjos too. And he wowed the faithful further when attacking an oil-filled, clear acrylic Telecaster with a violin bow, a la Jimmy Page. But he “closed” the deal with a unique, retina-searing, multi laser-shooting Telecaster. Truly impressive.”
Read the review in full here: ink19.com/2018/02/magazine/event-reviews/john-5-and-the-creatures
[REVIEW] It’s Alive “is one hell of a good time.”
Our friends over at Metal Assault have reviewed the brand new John 5 and The Creatures album “It’s Alive”.
They give the album a 10 out of 10 rating and say the following of the release:
“‘It’s Alive!’ is a fun record, some of the most fun I’ve had listening to a record in recent memory. Just as a live experience should be, John 5 captures the energy of seeing a top-notch live performance. The live renditions manage to both capture and enhance the experience involved within the studio recordings, it really feels like you’re listening to the songs with a fresh shine on it. ‘It’s Alive!’ is a brand new experience regardless of how many times you’ve heard John 5 and the Creatures’ body of work.”
Read the review in full here: metalassault.com/2018/01/31/john-5-creatures-its-alive/
[Review] It’s Alive shows “John 5 and the Creatures are the real deal”.
Our friends at MORTIS MEDIA, have posted a review of the brand new album from John 5 and The Creatures: “It’s Alive”.
“To call J5 a “good” guitar player is an understatement. He approaches the double edged sword of playing a show where he, the guitarist, is the center of the action for the whole show without the burden/safety net of a frontman to keep the crowd’s attention. His fretboard pyrotechnics mixed with the ferocity of his backing band leave no question of who is in control here….
If you can’t make a show, get It’s Alive! and you’ll know John 5 and the Creatures are the real deal, too. ”
Read the review in full here: mortismedia.com/John-5-and-the-Creatures-Its-Alive
Metal Nation reviews “It’s Alive”
Check out this review from Metal Nation about the forthcoming John 5 and The Creatures live album “It’s Alive” out on January 25th.
“As always, John 5 has exceeded my expectations and in addition to the Creatures, it is quite frankly a masterpiece. Bassist Ian Ross and drummer Logan Miles Nix cannot be a better fit for John. It is rare to find a bassist who stands out with incredible talent, especially next to one of the greatest guitarists of all time, in my opinion. I have watched enough John 5 and the Creatures videos to become a Ross fan. He is exciting to watch, extremely talented, and sometimes even will steal the show. Logan Miles Nix sets the perfect beat to songs that I cannot imagine would be easy to play. (I am not a drummer, so I do not know). The frequent changes in the music sound complex, but Nix breezes through it as if he is playing at a high school dance. Flawless.”
Read the full review here: metalnation.com/album-review-john-5-creatures-alive/
PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!
CD: john-5.com/store/shop/john-5-its-alive-live-cd-pre-order/
Vinyl: john-5.com/store/shop/john-5-its-alive-ltd-double-live-lp-colored-vinyl-pre-order/
Tour Book: john-5.com/store/shop/john-5-souvenir-tour-program-pre-order/
The album will be available digitally to purchase or stream – more info coming soon.
[Review] Season of the Witch ” is an auditory experience to behold”.
Read this fantastic new review from Anti Hero Magazine for Season of the Witch – the brand new John 5 and The Creatures album which came out March 3rd.
From the review:
“John 5 is a guitar player’s guitarist, replete with all the awe-inspiring shreddology of modern players such as Steve Vai, Marty Friedman and Yngwie Malmsteen. All of his influences shine thru on Season of the Witch, and portrayed by John 5 and the Creatures with masterful skill. If you don’t know John 5 other than his work with Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie, Season of the Witch will open your eyes to how incredibly talented John 5 really is.”
To read the review in full, go here: antiheromagazine.com/album-review-john-5-and-the-creatures-season-of-the-witch/
Get Season of the Witch on Cd exclusively at the official John 5 store, on Amazon/iTunes/Google Play and stream on Spotify and Apple Music: http://smarturl.it/SOTWpurchase (click to choose your preferred service).
John 5 is currently on tour with The Creatures – get show info here: john-5.com/main/tour/
[Review] With Season of the Witch, John 5 shares “his genuine passion for diverse music styles”.
Offeringwebzine.com share their review of the brand new John 5 and The Creatures album Season of the Witch.
Season of the Witch they say “offers intense virtuosic jams with creative twists that combine multiple music genres“. They conclude the review ““Season Of The Witch” is a rather entertaining instrumental effort with a macabre touch and John 5 is not only demonstrating his eclectic musicianship as he is also sharing with the listeners his genuine passion for diverse music styles.”
To read the review in full go here: offeringwebzine.com/2017/03/28/john-5-and-the-creatures-season-of-the-witch/
Get Season of the Witch on Cd exclusively at the official John 5 store, on Amazon/iTunes/Google Play and stream on Spotify and Apple Music: http://smarturl.it/SOTWpurchase (click to choose your preferred service).
John 5 is currently on tour with The Creatures – get show info here: john-5.com/main/tour/
[Review] “Strap yourself in and be prepared for the terror of John 5 and the Creatures”.
2Loud2oldmusic.com have reviewed the latest John 5 album “Season of the Witch” made with his band The Creatures. The site gives a track by track review of the album.
They conclude: “The album is already one of my favorites for the year. A lot of the rock albums so far haven’t been killing it with me, but this one was a breath of fresh air. I can never get enough of John 5 so it was nice to have some new music in between Rob Zombie albums. This is a must have for any rock fine and especially a John 5 fan.”
To read the review in full, go here: 2loud2oldmusic.com/2017/03/20/john-5-the-creatures-season-of-the-witch-album-review/
Get Season of the Witch on Cd exclusively at the official John 5 store, on Amazon/iTunes/Google Play and stream on Spotify and Apple Music: http://smarturl.it/SOTWpurchase (click to choose your preferred service).
John 5 is currently on tour with The Creatures – get show info here: john-5.com/main/tour/
[Review] Media Mike calls Season of the Witch John 5’s “most diverse solo effort to date”.
It has been TWO weeks since Season of the Witch, the brand new album from John 5 and The Creatures, was released. The feedback from fans and reviewers has been fantastic.
Media Mike gives the album a 4 out of 5 review calling the album John 5’s “most diverse“.
“Don’t let the albums brief runtime fool you as John 5 and the Creatures pack every ounce of musicality they can in to each and every second of “Season of the Witch”. Easily his most diverse solo effort to date John 5 showcases his ability and diverse tastes by blending country, funk, rock and metal with his love for the macabre into one cohesive package that provides listeners with something new each time you listen.”
To read the review in full, go here: mediamikes.com/2017/03/cd-review-john5-season-of-the-witch/
[Review] John 5 and The Creatures slay the DNA Lounge
John 5 and The Creatures are currently on tour in support of their new album Season of the Witch, which came out on March 3rd.
Over the weekend, the band played at the DNA Lounge in San Francisco and SF Sonic were there to watch and review the show.
“Making his way to the stage through the tightly compacted smaller venue at DNA, John 5 instantly generated an auditory tornado of extremely fast finger tapping and incredible super sweeps with a new song, “Guitars, Tits & Monsters.” The pale, painted, grim axeman stuns with his limitless capabilities for capturing every maneuver possible and with a diverse array of guitars to do so with his main rig being the very sleek signature Squire, the great golden J5 Telecaster perfectly equipped with the well-used secret weapon of the kill switch.”
To read the review in full, go here: https://sfsonic.com/concerts/john-5-and-the-creatures-slay-the-dna/
Photo by Elizabeth Gohr.
Get Season of the Witch on Cd exclusively at the official John 5 store, on Amazon/iTunes/Google Play and stream on Spotify and Apple Music: http://smarturl.it/SOTWpurchase (click to choose your preferred service).
John 5 is currently on tour with The Creatures – get show info here: john-5.com/main/tour/
[Review] Season of the Witch is “a record that you will marvel at for a long time to come”.
A 5 out of 5 Devils Horns rating from Mike’s Music and Concert Blog for the brand new John 5 and The Creatures album Season of the Witch.
“There is literally something for everyone here, from searing metal to country/bluegrass. I can’t imagine a record with more variety and crossed-genres than this one. The lack of vocals really allows you to focus on the mayhem unfolding. Make no mistake, this is a true labor of love. You can hear it in every note.”
To read the review in full, go here: mikesmusicandconcerts.wordpress.com/2017/03/10/review-john-5-creatures-season-of-the-witch/
Get Season of the Witch on Cd exclusively at the official John 5 store, on Amazon/iTunes/Google Play and stream on Spotify and Apple Music: http://smarturl.it/SOTWpurchase (click to choose your preferred service).
John 5 is currently on tour with The Creatures – get show info here: john-5.com/main/tour/
[REVIEW] Metal Assault gives Season of the Witch a 10 out of 10 rating!
The team at Metal Assault have listened to the brand new John 5 and The Creatures album Season of the Witch which came out last Friday (3/3) and given it an outstanding TEN out of TEN rating!
“‘Season of the Witch’ isn’t just a showing of John 5’s technical skill from first track to last, it gives insight to how truly diverse John 5 can be when stretching his writing muscle. You’d probably think you’re getting a typical heavy metal side project just from the packaging of this record; it’s a John 5 record called ‘Season of the Witch’ that gives you every indication it will not go in the direction it takes.”
To read the full review go here: http://metalassault.com/album_reviews/2017/03/09/john-5-and-the-creatures-season-of-the-witch/
Get Season of the Witch on Cd exclusively at the official John 5 store, on Amazon/iTunes/Google Play and stream on Spotify and Apple Music: http://smarturl.it/SOTWpurchase (click to choose your preferred service).
John 5 is currently on tour with The Creatures – get show info here: john-5.com/main/tour/
[Review] Yesterdaze News reviews John 5 and The Creatures “killer” show at Tony V’s Garage
John 5 and The Creatures played the second show of the Season of the Witch tour at Tony V’s Garage in Everett, WA. Yesterdaze News were there to watch and gave this review:
“The show was one killer guitar lick after another accompanied by wardrobe/accessory changes and of course multiple axe changes through out the show. There were many styles of guitars, each suited to the perfect song and a fun theatrical experience that comes from a John 5 show. There were lights, co2 cannons, masks, fog, light up guitars, a lava liquid filled guitar, tiny ones and banjo styles.”
To read the full review, go here: https://yesterdazenews.com/2017/03/07/john-5-season-of-the-witch-tour-kick-off/
To see all tour dates, find tickets and get meet and greets, go here: http://john-5.com/main/tour/
Photo by Diane Webb
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