LYNYRD SKYNYRD: God And Guns (ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

It took six years for the successor of "Vicious Cycle" to finally come and fill a long wait. In this interval, the band still had to face tragic events. Hughie Thomasson is no more, swept away by a heart attack in 2007. Billy Powell, a founding member of the band with Gary Rossington, retired in 2009, as well as bassist Ean Evans. Heavy losses of course difficult to take for the other members who have unfortunately already experienced this kind of sad situation.

In order to dispel any form of doubt about Lynyrd Skynyrd's morale, this new album entitled "God and Guns", is timely. How can we imagine that these musicians can hang up their instruments after more than three decades in the service of rock? Of course, that moment will come one day, but this new production has strong enough arguments to further weaken this probability.

"God And Guns" initiates a dashing return of the genitors of southern rock. Everything that made the reputation of Lynyrd Skynyrd and thus generated this worldwide success finds its place on this twelfth album. Moreover, the huge production of a certain Bob Marlette, more familiar with heavy metal bands such as Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne or even Airboune, brings Lynyrd Skynyrd into a modernity era. And another important element, musicians from a very different universe from southern rock have contributed to the compositions of "God And Guns". Who would have thought that the prolific John 5 and Rob Zombie himself could contribute one day to a Lynyrd Skynyrd record?

Let the fans of the first hour be reassured, the band has not radically changed. On the contrary, this alliance would even tend to revitalize Lynyrd Skynyrd's field of action, as demonstrated by a dark and rhythmic track like "Floyd". If in the whole "God And Guns" is based on the alternation between electro-acoustic ballads symbolized by "Southern Ways", "Unwrite That Song" and "That Ain't My America" with a nevertheless warm and melodic content, the rednecks proudly counterbalance tracks that are much more in tune with its style, like the opening track that literally plunges with a heavy and catchy riff. The very "Big Rock" and powerful hit "Skynyrd Nation" reinforces this feeling of quiet strength which continues on a groovy and heady "Comin' Back For More". Of course, the climax comes on the eponymous title track. This cover, initially country, turns into a real steamroller. From the acoustic arpeggio introduction to the finale full of guitars, all the panache that keeps this legend alive is once again particularly resounding.

"God And Guns" is in every way worthy of its predecessor. Lynyrd Skynyrd has a dazzling shape that promises unforgettable "live" moments. In any case, one thing is certain. Rock still needs this band that has been able to go through more than three decades while remaining faithful and worthy of its lineage. "God And Guns" sets the record straight and shows once again that southern rock, interpreted with such conviction and talent, has a bright future ahead of it. As Johnny Van Zant loudly proclaim, he is "Still Unbroken" - Official website

LYNYRD SKYNYRD

GOD AND GUNS

ROADRUNNER RECORDS

ROCK