ALBUM REVIEW – SLASH – Live At The S.E.R.P.E.N.T Festival
- Rick E
- 1 minute ago
- 4 min read
WORDS RICK E
Live At The S.E.R.P.E.N.T Festival
SLASH
Slash—that top-hatted, Les Paul-wielding force of nature—has never been one to disappoint when the stage lights ignite and the Marshall stacks begin to roar. Live At The S.E.R.P.E.N.T Festival captures the former Guns N' Roses axeman at what might be his most ferocious and focused in years.
Recorded at the now-legendary S.E.R.P.E.N.T Festival (an acronym that festival organizers have steadfastly refused to decode, adding to the event's mystique), this live album serves as both a greatest hits retrospective and a visceral document of a band firing on all cylinders. From the moment the opening notes cascade through the speakers, it is abundantly clear that this isn't going to be one of those sanitized, over-produced live recordings that sterilize the raw energy of a concert experience. This is grimy, sweaty, gloriously imperfect rock and roll—the kind that leaves your ears ringing and your soul slightly more damaged in the best possible way.
The crowd itself becomes an instrument throughout the recording, their participation adding texture and emotional resonance to the proceedings. During the slower, more melodic moments, you can hear individual voices singing along, creating a chorus of imperfect humanity that no studio could ever replicate. During the heavier passages, the crowd transforms into a single organism, roaring its approval and creating a wall of sound that rivals the band's own considerable volume.
The setlist itself is a carefully curated journey through Slash's varied career, touching on his work with Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver, and his solo material with equal reverence. Opening with an absolute barnburner from his solo catalogue, the band wastes no time establishing their intentions. This isn't going to be a nostalgic wallow; this is a statement of vitality and relevance.
The inclusion of several deeper cuts alongside the expected hits demonstrates a respect for the hardcore fans who have followed Slash through every iteration of his career. Yes, the crowd-pleasers are present and accounted for, but the band doesn't lean on them as a crutch. Instead, they use them strategically, spacing them throughout the set to maintain energy levels while giving equal weight to material that might not get radio play but represents the artistic depth of Slash's catalogue.
The pacing of the set is masterful. Just when the relentless heaviness threatens to become overwhelming, the band downshifts into a more melodic gear, giving the audience a chance to catch their breath before the next assault. These dynamic shifts keep the performance feeling fresh throughout its considerable runtime, preventing the listener fatigue that can sometimes plague live albums that clock in at over 90 minutes.
Of course, the star of this particular show is Slash's guitar work, and the man does not disappoint. His tone is absolutely immaculate throughout—that thick, creamy lead sound that he has become famous for, with just enough grit to give it attitude without descending into muddy indistinction. His rhythm playing, often overlooked in favour of his flashier lead work, is rock-solid throughout, providing a muscular foundation that allows the rest of the band to take chances.
The solos themselves are worth the price of admission alone. Slash has always walked an interesting line between technical proficiency and emotional expressiveness, and on this recording, he leans heavily into the latter.
While Slash is obviously the name above the title, this performance succeeds because of the quality of his backing band who at times go through extended jam sections, which really highlights the musicians' considerable chops.
The festival audience captured on this recording deserves special mention. They are loud, enthusiastic, and clearly knowledgeable about the material. Their singalongs are on-key and on-time, their reactions are appropriately placed, and their energy never flags throughout the performance. This is clearly an audience of true believers, people who have followed Slash's career and know these songs inside and out.
The crowd dynamics add crucial emotional context to the performance. During the more introspective moments, you can hear thousands of people singing along quietly, reverently. During the explosive climaxes, that same crowd erupts in approval, creating a feedback loop of energy between band and audience that elevates both. This isn't a band playing at an audience; this is a genuine communion between performers and participants.
Live At The S.E.R.P.E.N.T Festival is an essential addition to any serious rock fan's collection. It captures a legendary guitarist at the height of his powers, supported by a killer band and performing for an audience that deserves to be there. While it may not convert sceptics or redefine anyone's understanding of what Slash is capable of, it provides ample evidence that the man still has it, still cares, and still commands a stage like few others can.
For longtime fans, this album will provide exactly what you want: Slash being Slash, playing the songs, you love with the intensity and passion that made you fall in love with his playing in the first place. For newer fans, this serves as an excellent introduction to his catalogue and his capabilities as a live performer. Either way, this is money well spent.
A Blistering Testament to Rock's Enduring Spirit
4/5
Live At The S.E.R.P.E.N.T Festival – FULL TRACK LIST
1. Intro
2. Parchman Farm Blues
3. Killing Floor
4. Born Under a Bad Sign
5. Oh Well
6. Big Legged Woman
7. Key to the Highway
8. Papa Was a Rollin' Stone
CD2:
9. Stormy Monday
10. The Pusher
11. Metal Chestnut
12. Crossroads
13. Stone Free
14. It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry
15. Shake Your Money Maker
FOLLOW SLASH
Comments