If you've never heard Velvet Revolver and pop the CD in, it may seem very familiar, and for good reason. This band is essentially a combination of two very prominent bands. Three members of the outfit were the main instrumental team of Guns 'N' Roses - Slash (guitar), Duff McKagan (bass) and Matt Sorum (drums). Add to that potent mix the vocal talents of Scott Weiland formerly of Stone Temple Pilots, and one can imagine that the group is a powerhouse. Dave Kushner of Wasted Youth rounds out the line-up on rhythm guitar. Even knowing the background the question remains does this group deliver on the promise that the individual musicians would seem to make? The answer in a word is - "yes". They are arguably the most potent hard rock outfit of this decade, in much the same way that G'n'R was in the 1980's.

The group does feel a lot like Guns N Roses. Of course, Slash's unmistakable guitar sound plays a huge part in that, but Weiland even sounds quite a bit like Axel Rose on some of the material. The opening number, "Sucker Train" is certainly one that fits into G'n'R territory, as do songs like "Big Machine" and "Spectacle". The first single, "Fall To Pieces" feels a lot like "Sweet Child of Mine". The group wander into more modern hard rock areas, too, though. Just give a listen to "Headspace" for evidence of that. They aren't even restricted by those elements, though, finding the opportunity to move into other soundscapes. "Superhuman" feels a bit like some of Alice Cooper's Brutal Planet era stuff with a bit of a psychedelic edge laid overtop. "You Got No Right" is even a bit Beatlesesque, combining that sound with some of the more recent pop balladic numbers. Even on that one, though, they find plenty of opportunity to rock out. "Loving The Alien" feels a lot like old David Bowie. The import edition of the disc ends with the band's nod to some of their influences with a killer live cover of the Sex Pistols' "Bodies".

It is not without it's weaknesses, though. For one thing, the lyrics are quite generic and trite throughout much of the disc. Those who like their music to be without profanity probably should steer clear of this one, too. Still, for fans of Guns N Roses, or those who just like vibrant hard-edged music, this one is a definite winner. Slash is without question one of the most interesting guitarists of the last couple decades, and he doesn't disappoint on this album. His work is impeccable and oh so tasty. Much of the album is the same brand of frantic gritty raunch and roll that made him and G'n'R the superstars they were. Really, the disc would be worth having just for that guitar work, but there is so much more here. If this were the debut of a group of no names people would be raving about it. Unfortunately the history of the musicians creates comparisons to their older catalogs, and some critics have felt that it didn't measure up.

While I definitely disagree with those who say the band doesn't live up to it's potential, I would have to say that with Weiland's well publicized substance problems and the legal issues they have brought with them, that these guys might not be around long. I hope that's not the case because I think they live up very well to the legacy of all the musicians involved. Just in case, you should definitely make their Metro Centre show. Who knows when they'll be around again - if ever. Velvet Revolver is definitely a smoking gun, and one worth giving a try.