Rock and roll is not for the faint-hearted, and Guns N’ Roses epitomized this ethos in the 1980s, pushing towards a more brutal sound. Slash, the band’s iconic guitarist, had a penchant for darker, off-color songs even before he started playing guitar. His early influences included The Rolling Stones during The Beatles’ era, particularly drawn to Keith Richards‘ guitar work in songs like “Satisfaction.”
Slash’s musical roots were deeply embedded in the blues, and his early compositions often showcased his unique mastery of the 12-bar blues structure. His exposure to blues was transformed when he first heard Aerosmith, a band with a distinctive swagger that set them apart.
However, the English rock scene of the time was not just about swagger; it was also the birthplace of a more aggressive sound, with Black Sabbath at the forefront of heavy metal. This new genre was distinct from the experimental directions of bands like Led Zeppelin and Cream. Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, in particular, was known for his use of the tritone in the band’s self-titled song, creating riffs that were chilling and unique.
For Slash, Black Sabbath’s debut album was a revelation. It represented the darkest, most menacing rock ‘n’ roll he had ever encountered. In his view, as he expressed to Music Radar, it was the epitome of menacing rock music, unmatched by any other band.
While Slash’s guitar style is melodic, the aggressive energy in Guns N’ Roses tracks like “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Rocket Queen” carries a similar intensity to Iommi’s playing. Despite Slash’s distinctive style, he acknowledges that any band labeled as “The World’s Most Dangerous Band” still operates in the shadow of Black Sabbath’s groundbreaking achievements.
