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Track Listing: The Nightmare Unravels The Art of Malice Ill Will Or Spite J.W. Ya Dig? Can I Live Again Portrayed As Unremorseful Steel Guitar Rag Wayne County Killer Fractured Mirror The S. Lot The Last Page Turned

John 5 is a legend in his own right. He's worked with Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, Meatloaf, Lynyrd Skynyrd, David Lee Roth, and many more. There's no denying his skills, and there's no getting around the fact that he's an amazing musician.

The album opens up with the track "The Nightmare Unravels" which is pretty intense. It starts out with some light picking and goes into a nice riff. It turns into one big solo, with a great backing behind it. The only qualm I have about this song is that it's one big solo! A little more riff work would have been nice, but overall it's a great tune. John really showcases his talents on it. His abilities with the guitar are pretty amazing.

Another great track is "Ill Will or Spite" which starts out with an interesting electronic intro, and goes into a heavy, fast paced chugging riff with bitchin' drum accompaniment. This song, like "The Nightmare Unravels" is built on a long solo, but by god, it's absolutely great. John really takes a little bit of everything and wraps it all up into a nice, neat, coherent package.

What's this?! A twist! The track following "Ill Will," is straight up COUNTRY! "J.W." is the name of the tune. Backed by a wonderful band, including Greg "Plushie" Hanna(a member of legendary punk rock band "The Dickies") on bass. I'm not usually a country fan, but this song is pretty bitchin'. All clean, no distortion, picking like a madman. John really has a great grasp on his scales, method, and overall style of playing. He's really made a sound all his own with this track. He has made country metal without even trying. Really a killer track.

I would have liked some more steady and solid songs without all the soloing, but John manages to deliver his music in an amazing way. Overall, this album is pretty great. I'm not usually one for solo guitar records, but there's always the rare few who can manage to make something great without a gimmick. John 5 is one of those people. This album is wonderful. If you've never heard John 5 before, go pick up "The Art of Malice" today.

To buy the CD and for more information please visit John 5's official website.