New album from John Lowery or like everybody knows him John 5. To be honest, never had I listened to a solo album of his although he has already released 3 solo albums and I had no idea what I was going to listen. We ‘ve all known him from his strong profile in Marilyn Manson but in no way was I ready for what would come next.

Beginning from the very first song “Sounds of Impalement” till the 10^th, last and title track “Requiem” I couldn’t tell the one from the other or the best of all. Each one is a special one, while the music style varies from heavy metal to hard rock and alternative, while also the “Pity Belt” and “Pear of Anquish” are two very good, fast country songs perfectly played by a guitarist who is in no way a country player. In general all tracks have strong guitars, clever changes, perfect performances and solos that you just can’t pass by. Incredible melody that had taken me a long time to find in a solo album, probably since Marty Friedman’s and Jason Becker’s Cacophony.

Finally, this was not a surprise for me bacuse John has played and helped for Scorpions’ “Humanity Hour 1” and Kiss singer/guitarist’s “Live To Win” (respect). Other artists and bands that John has been involved with, apart from Marilyn Manson, are David Lee Roth, Rob Zombie, Static-X, Filter, Meat Loaf, Leah Andreone, Ryan Downem, Red Square Black and many more.

“Requiem” is a worth buying album for both Johny 5 and Marilyn Manson fans but also for the rest “6strings” or not, as it will definitely nail you down thus it will make you turn it louder and get lost under the sound of John 5’s guitar sound.