Music fans, mark March 3rd 2017 on your calendar, for that is when the latest John 5 album is available. Most people who follow John 5 have already gotten a taste of what is offered on ‘Season of the Witch’, John’s 8th solo album (not including the remix album ‘Remixploitation’), by viewing and hearing music videos that John has released throughout the year in 2016.
The follow up to his previous album, ’Careful With That Axe’, released in 2014 is a continuation of the wealth of musical talent John 5 has. Many know John 5 as the guitarist for Rob Zombie or that he used to rock with Marilyn Manson. That merely scratches the surface of John’s accomplishments. Once you listen to a John 5 album, you’ll quickly grow to appreciate what emanates from this guy’s brain or better yet, fingers.
I myself didn’t realize the vastness of John 5’s music until a couple years ago, when I saw him perform a solo show. I was amazed at the variety of music he conquers with his guitar. We know he can rock the axe better than most, but then for him to whip out flamenco style riffs or jamming on a banjo make it hard not to respect John 5. And finding out that he is a native Michigander made it even cooler.
I listen to all types of music; a couple of my favorite genres are rock and country. So, hearing John 5 play both of those and other genres is a win-win. There’s nothing wrong with expanding your music outside of what you usually listen to, because there’s a lot of great music across all genres. ‘Season of the Witch’ offers many forms of songs for just about any mood. John 5 isn’t actually solo as he is backed up by his band mates, Ian Ross on bass guitar and Rodger Carter on drums to form John 5 and the Creatures.
I have some clear-cut favorites on this album but there are some other songs that catch my attention as well. Some songs sound like movie soundtracks, which makes sense, since John has recorded movie soundtracks. There are no vocals accompanying the music, this is strictly all instrumental save for a few interlude type tracks like “Dr. Evil’s Spook Show” which makes like an advertisement. One of my favorite songs which continue out of the “Spook Show” track is “Here’s to the Crazy Ones”. It’s a frantic finger flying riffing song with a driving back-beat. It’s a wonder if John 5 doesn’t have a 3rd or 4th hand with the execution he pulls off seamlessly.
Behind the “Nut Love” is a song that at first I sort of glanced over. It’s a short one, clocking in at 2 minutes and 29 seconds. But the more I listened to the album, this song stuck out for the difference it has in the tones and it’s quite reflective and meditative. I think this song will grow on other people as well. Songs like this, I feel like they help us relax, take a breath and appreciate the good things we have. Other songs of note are “Black Grass Plague” and “Hell Haw”, which display John 5’s country pickin’ prowess. “Making Monsters” and “Season of the Witch” give listeners the playing that people are used to from John 5, hard hitting guitar shredding galore.
This album is full of music that fans of all walks of life would enjoy. Ian Ross and Rodger Carter are excellent musicians and they complement John 5 very well. You can’t be disappointed with a John 5 album and ‘Season of the Witch’ upholds John 5’s talent and integrity. You’ll feel how much heart John 5 puts into every song as you listen. John 5 is a one stop all you could want music virtuoso. March 3rd, 2017, ‘Season of the Witch’ is waiting for you. Get yourself a copy and rejoice in the awesome showcase John 5 and the Creatures created.