He adds, "The title is derived from the saying 'kill them with kindness,' like taking a good approach to still obtain a dark result."
"The Art Of Malice" further showcases
John 5 to be one of the most technically advanced guitarists in the business today. Fans of driving rhythms and ear-catching, over the top, guitar work will keep this in their CD player for months on end. This album has everything that the fans come to expect — chicken pickin', shred, metal and Spanish guitar. The songtitles vary as vignettes into
John 5's life, such as the title
"J.W." which are
John 5's initials (
John William Lowery) and what his father had called him growing up.
"Ya Dig" comes from working with the master or frontmen
David Lee Roth
and also features
Billy Sheehan on bass. "That is
Dave's saying and it fits the music," says
John 5.
"The Art Of Malice" track listing:
01.
The Nightmare Unravels02.
The Art of Malice 03.
Ill Will Or Spite 04.
J.W. 05.
Ya Dig? 06.
Can I Live Again 07.
Portrayed As Unremorseful 08.
Steel Guitar Rag 09.
Wayne County Killer 10.
Fractured Mirror (ACE FREHLEY cover)
11.
The S. Lot 12.
The Last Page Turned The cover artwork, courtesy of
Ray Gutierrez, can be viewed below.
John 5 has compiled one of the most impressive resumes in rock. In addition to his own solo work, his commanding riffs combined with his composition skills have most recently earned him a coveted spot playing with rock icon
Rob Zombie.
John 5's credentials include his famous stint with shock rocker
MARILYN MANSON and his current gig with
ROB ZOMBIE, but also includes diverse work with some names you might not expect, including
Lita Ford,
K.D. Lang,
David Lee Roth,
Meat Loaf,
SALT-N-PEPA,
LYNYRD SKYNYRD and many others. Surprisingly to many,
John 5 has an ardent love of bluegrass music and has the chops to prove it (just listen to
"Sugar Foot Rag" from 2004 solo album
"Vertigo"). Furthermore, he is a self-described "
Fender fanatic" with a jaw-dropping collection of his favorite instrument, the
Telecaster ("the greatest guitars ever built, by far, hands down," he said). Such is his love for the instrument that
Fender introduced the J5 Telecaster (and J5 Special Edition acoustic) in 2004 and the J5 Triple Tele Deluxe in 2007.
John 5 in 2008 released the
IMV "Behind the Player" DVD in which he gives an intimate behind-the scenes look at his life as a professional musician, including rare photos and video footage.
John 5 then gives in-depth lessons for how to play
"Let it All Bleed Out" and
"Lords of Salem" by
ROB ZOMBIE on guitar and jams the tracks with
ROB ZOMBIE drummer
Tommy Clufetos.
John 5 issued his fourth solo album,
"Requiem", on June 3, 2008 via
60 Cycle Hum.