Guns N’ Roses has never been the same since guitar legend Slash left. But he has gone solo and now he returns with his second solo album, ‘Apocalyptic Love’.

With his debut self-titled album, Slash tested the waters in a musical experiment of sorts.

Sporting guest vocalists like the Maroon 5’s pretty boy Adam Levine and Black Eyed Peas’ Fergie to the crazy Iggy Pop, mad mad mad Ozzy and the weird Alice Cooper, it surprised many people that he was capable of the varied sounds he produced.

Apocalyptic Love sees Slash continuing to experiment with different sounds but has but has definitely etched a signature sound and is more consistent with lead vocalist Myles Kennedy and drummer and bassist - The Conspirators - holding the reigns with him.

It’s an energetic and mad album with strong vocals, funk guitar, vintage Guns N’ Roses epic solos, dirty old school rock, quick drums, deep bass and classic elegance.

Slash undoubtedly tests Kennedy’s vocal abilities, demanding that he rage with emotion and energy. It's not really Slash front and centre, but a relinquishing of power while gently pulling back to himself every now and then with his weapon of choice - his guitar.

Its sheer diversity is really telling of Slash’s versatility but Apocalyptic Love is a collective effort with Kennedy on vocals, Brent Fitz on drums and Todd Kerns on bass.

The album's late '80s-early '90s tattoo-like cover is kind of deceiving as the album is not seedy as the artwork suggests.

It’s not a work of genius, but it’s definitely something that tells a different tale to his legendary days with GnR, his bizarre days with Slash’s Snakepit and refined yet pop-friendly days with Velvet Revolver.

It’s flawless, as Slash usually is. Notable tracks are Shots Fired – a song that builds up to Slash unleashing a signature solo – and One Last Thrill, both of which are as close to the awesomeness of GnR as the album is going to get.

But don’t ignore the rest. Kennedy does almost as good a job as Axl Rose and is far less of a bloody whiney diva.

It’s a collection of Slash’s abilities thrown together with a great vocalist behind him. It’s no Guns N’ Roses, but it’s what we love most about them – the wild-haired guitarist with a top hat.

Rating: 7/10