The Tentative Return of Guns 'n' Roses

Only time can reveal the fate of Guns'n'Roses' newest incarnation, but their recent tours of Europe and America have already proven a couple of things. First, the legacy that the first lineup established almost twenty years ago attracted a fervent following - a good part of which has remained faithful to this day. In addition, the mystique surrounding Axl Rose and his bandmates has attracted the interest of a whole new generation of hard rock fans. Perhaps these people have grown bored with the commercial music posing as outlaw expression that dominates so much of the Nu Rock scene and feel drawn now to a band that has always embodied real danger and unpredictability.

Or maybe it's simply a response to the incredible energy and vitality of their live shows. Whatever the reason, Guns'n'Roses have already generated fervor to nearly equal the impact of their first emergence on the rock scene so many years ago.

"Chinese Democracy" is, of course, one of the most anticipated albums in rock history. This nearly mythic album has purportedly been in the works for at least a decade, and has involved a revolving cast of players throughout that time (one of the most memorable being Buckethead, who played with the band on a few dates, including Las Vegas and Rock in Rio). What struck me the most about the new songs that the band previewed in concert - particularly "Madagascar" and "The Blues" - was the way in which they showcased Axl's voice so beautifully. The material that the Guns'n'Roses of the new millennium have worked up is an ideal vehicle for his range, both vocally and emotionally.

If anything, his voice sounds even better than you might remember it. Axl manages to exhibit more control and stamina in his delivery without compromising an iota of the raw power of his singing. He is older and - we assume - wiser now, and this experience has also contributed to greater depth and breadth to his lyrical vision. There is more introspection and self-awareness in his words; they benefit from the gift of hindsight. He still has the electrifying moves, too. His sinuous gyrating is captivating as it ever was, though now it's delivered with more of the calm assurance of a guy who's got nothing to prove because he already proved it long ago.

Recent statements confirm that the band has a wealth of recorded material "in the can" that is intended for staggered release over the next few years. My prediction is that these records will not only be cause for old and new fans to rejoice but will also revitalize our fairly stagnant rock scene and open up new frontiers for other bands to explore over the next couple of decades.