So kicking right in you get ‘Welcome To The Island’ and there is a distinct Satch like tonality with a Paul Gilbert-esque arpeggio opener that makes me smile, this is going to be an interesting ride.  ‘For I Have Sinned’ takes a brutal left turn where J5 gets into his gritty and gnarly side with a hefty sounding track slamming out savage riff’s before his intricate guitar work kicks in, at this point you realise this cat is definitely doing his own this with splattering’s of lick’s that are reminiscent of my very guitar god’s but very much J5’s own voice. When you hit ‘Euphoria’ with its EDM & Industrial vibe you know this guy is not an artist who feels he needs to tow the rope in any shape or form or conform to the social norms or niceties that the genre usually demands. ‘Que Pasa’ once again takes a violent left turn as Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine joins J5 on this quirky sounding track that brings a mixture of Hyro The Hero & the lighter vibe that Paul Gilbert would bring to his own musicality. Where to next? Well a light Jazzy infused number of course in ‘How High The Moon’ to showcase J5’s versatility, whilst ‘Creepshow’ brings us back to the ground with a bang, distortion is the name of the game and a fusion of styles to take the breath away! Finger-tapping amundo on ‘Land Of The Misfit Toys’ gives you yet another flavour to an already expansive plate and then with a Queen cove in ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ you are transported yet again to another worldly version of J5, ‘This Is How I Do It’ just slaps you in the face once again to remind you that formula’s are out the window on J5 recordings all before things get wrapped up with a beautiful rendition of ‘Georgia On My Mind’ ft Peter Criss. 

Step back, contemplate and breath.

There is a lot going on in a John 5 album, this guy just does what he does, unapologetic and rightly so, his reputation proceed’s him and now I know why. 

For the full review from Rock N Load Mag click HERE