Album Review: Slash – Live at the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival

October 26, 2025 rocknews

RATTLESNAKE RHYTHMS: SLASH LIVE ALBUM REVIEW

Slash Live Album Review: Slash has long been hailed as one of rock’s most formidable guitarists, but his latest release, Live at the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival, confirms his deep, authentic connection to the blues. This is his homecoming.

The S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival, Slash’s own blues extravaganza, is an acronym for Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality, N’, Tolerance. This extraordinary endeavor is about making a difference; every ticket sold contributes to charities that promote peace, equality, and tolerance in our communities. The tour itself was a massive blues summit, bringing together titans like Kingfish, Samantha Fish, Keb Mo, Warren Haynes, Eric Gales, and Larkin Poe. Slash’s set, recorded live at the Mission Ballroom in Denver, CO, is the crown jewel of that unforgettable tour. This Slash live album review confirms the hype.

This album is a tour-de-force in blues rock swagger, dripping with sweat, smoke, and sheer instrumental brilliance. As you immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this recording, you feel the energy crackling in the air, uniting fans in a shared love for the blues.

From the moment the crowd roar fades and the band kicks in, the production-handled with crisp, raw fidelity-achieves its goal: you are immediately transported to the front row. The mix is phenomenal, capturing the massive scale of a rock show while retaining the grit and intimacy of a Chicago blues bar. Every riff, every note, every shout feels immediate, creating an intensely immersive experience that few live albums ever capture.

The Band: Slash’s Blues Ball – A Collective of Scholars

Slash is not alone on this journey; he is backed by his formidable ensemble, Slash’s Blues Ball. This unit is less a backing band and more a collective of blues scholars and rockers. The rhythm section is locked in tight, with drummer Michael Jerome providing the thunderous foundation and bassist Johnny Griparic anchoring the groove with heavy, yet nimble bass lines. Soulful power emanates from the keys, harmonica, and vocals of long-time collaborator Teddy “ZigZag” Andreadis, whose texture is the perfect counterpoint to the guitars. Crucially, Tash Neal provides dynamic vocals and stellar rhythm guitar work, ensuring the blues heart of the music never gives way to pure shredding. This collective is the engine that drives the swagger.

Slash Live Album Review The band line up

The Guitar: mellow is the New Heavy

While Slash is known for his signature high-gain rock sound, here he explores the melodic, deeply mellow side of his playing. His solos are not about speed; they are conversations. This is the sound of a master demonstrating his deep roots, trading fretboard fireworks for profound tone control. He pours sincere, melodic soul into every bend and vibrato, proving that restraint is the ultimate form of power.

Slash Live Album Review: Details: Release, Formats & Artwork

The album, Live at the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival, drops on Friday, November 7th, 2025, via earMUSIC. Fans have several options to experience this electrifying performance:

2CD + DVD Digipak
2CD + Blu-ray Digipak: This deluxe package includes the full concert film along with compelling behind-the-scenes documentary segments. Audio options feature PCM Stereo and immersive DTS 5.1.
Heavyweight Black 3LP Gatefold: For vinyl enthusiasts, this triple-LP set delivers the entire live show across six sides of audiophile-quality black vinyl.

The album artwork is a vibrant, psychedelic tribute to both the blues tradition and the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival’s ethos. At its heart is a mystical, all-seeing eye , radiating fiery energy. This central motif is flanked by two classic-style guitars, their wood grain detailed amidst swirling patterns of scales and lightning bolts. The overall design evokes vintage rock posters and classic blues iconography, with its rich reds, oranges, and purples creating a visual feast that perfectly complements the raw, spiritual energy of the music. The serpentine imagery weaves through the background, subtly referencing both the festival’s name and the ancient, winding roots of the blues.

Slash Live Album Review: Quick-Reference Tracklist

Here is a breakdown of the tracks, including their original artist or status:

Intro (CD 1) – Slash Original Composition
Parchman Farm Blues (CD 1) – Cover of Bukka White
Killing Floor (CD 1) – Cover of Howlin’ Wolf
Born Under a Bad Sign (CD 1) – Cover of Albert King
Oh Well (CD 1, 5:53) – Cover of Fleetwood Mac (Peter Green era)
Big Legged Woman (CD 1) – Cover of Freddie King
Key to the Highway (CD 1) – Cover of Big Bill Broonzy
Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone (CD 1) – Cover of The Temptations
Stormy Monday (CD 2) – Cover of T-Bone Walker
The Pusher (CD 2) – Cover of Hoyt Axton
Metal Chestnut (CD 2) – Slash Original Instrumental
Cross Road Blues (CD 2) – Cover of Robert Johnson
Stone Free (CD 2) – Cover of The Jimi Hendrix Experience
It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry (CD 2) – Cover of Bob Dylan
Shake Your Money Maker (CD 2) – Cover of Elmore James

Track Listing Deep Dive: The Live Blues Experience

CD 1: The Blues Masters

Intro
- The sound of anticipation: the first 43 seconds serve as the introduction for the “blues band that needs no introduction! But they’re gonna get one anyway!. Slash’s Blues Ball”, to a mighty crowd cheer. This moment captures pure, electrified energy and immediately sets the visceral tone that the production team maintains, reminding the listener this is a truly raw, in-the-moment recording.
Parchman Farm Blues (Bukka White/Mose Allison)
- The song starts with a crash of cymbals and the keys explode into life; it is a wake-up call with as much excitement as the anticipation leading up to the opener. A gritty, low-down blues groove immediately establishes the band’s swagger and chops. Tash Neal’s vocals are perfect here, giving the track a road-weary, soulful edge while Slash lays down heavy, hypnotic rhythm work that underpins the entire track.
Killing Floor (Howlin’ Wolf)
- This classic Howlin’ Wolf standard transforms into a high-octane shuffle that barely lets up for air. It’s raw, aggressive Chicago blues, showcasing Slash’s ability to transition from rock hero to authentic bluesman with blistering, sharp solos that cut straight through the mix.
Born Under a Bad Sign (Albert King)
- An instant highlight, this performance features the iconic blues-funk groove made famous by Albert King. Slash delivers some of his most soulful, restrained lead lines of the night, contrasting sharply with his rock legacy to prove he understands the language of blues royalty.
Oh Well (Fleetwood Mac)
- The Peter Green-era Fleetwood Mac track is given a massive, psychedelic blues-rock treatment. The band locks into an unstoppable heavy rhythm, serving as the perfect launchpad for Slash’s extended, wailing solo section that simply ignites the stage.

Big Legged Woman (Freddie King)
- A driving, swaggering Texas shuffle that features outstanding ensemble work. Griparic’s powerful, walking bass line is essential here, providing the perfect counterpoint to the rollicking piano licks courtesy of Teddy Andreadis.
Key to the Highway (Big Bill Broonzy)
- This road-weary anthem is performed with beautiful simplicity and emotional depth. The mid-tempo groove allows for a moment of reflection before the ensuing power of the next track, showcasing Slash and Andreadis trading blues notes throughout the track, making it a really enjoyable feature.
Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone (The Temptations)
- A brilliant, slow-burn jam that stretches into epic territory, moving far beyond a simple cover. It evolves into a soulful, psychedelic journey focused purely on atmosphere and collective improvisation, making it an undeniable highlight for those who love extended, live performance.

CD 2: Slow Burns and Scorched Earth

Stormy Monday (T-Bone Walker)
- Announced by the singer as ‘a little blues for your shoes,’ Slash opens the song with an instrumental picking away at the strings. This quintessential slow blues number provides the ultimate showcase for the melodic, “mellow” guitar tone. Slash plays with immense feeling and patience, building his solo from quiet, weeping notes to a crescendo of pure, unadulterated emotion.
The Pusher (Hoyt Axton/Steppenwolf)
- The track retains its dark, ominous cinematic feel from the Easy Rider soundtrack, driven by a heavy, grinding groove. The vocal delivery is commanding and gritty. Slash’s guitar work here is forceful. It reinforces the song’s sinister, psychedelic mood with heavy, deliberate tone.
Metal Chestnut (Slash Original)
- The only original track, this beautiful instrumental is a moment of heartfelt sincerity, reportedly dedicated to Slash’s late stepdaughter. It’s an exercise in melodic control, showcasing a sophisticated and deeply emotional side of Slash’s compositional ability, relying purely on the feeling conveyed through his instrument.
Cross Road Blues (Robert Johnson)
- The famous Robert Johnson standard is delivered with high-octane fury, turning into a blazing rock staple. This is the moment the band completely ignites the audience and push the energy level past the breaking point.

Stone Free (The Jimi Hendrix Experience)
- A powerful tribute to Jimi Hendrix, the band dives into the psychedelic power and energy of the original. Slash honors Hendrix’s innovative style, while ensuring his own distinct, wah-drenched tone shines through, making it feel both classic and contemporary.
It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry (Bob Dylan)
- A welcome encore surprise, this Bob Dylan cover is loose, soulful, and provides a final moment of genuine musical appreciation for the source material. It’s a true band performance, moving with an easy, rolling rhythm.
Shake Your Money Maker (Elmore James)
- The blistering finale is a high-tempo, slide guitar-driven rampage. This track is pure, raw, electric energy, concluding the performance with a thrilling, chaotic roar that leaves the audience-and the listener-completely exhausted and satisfied.

Slash Live Album Review: The Rock News Verdict: – 10/10

Live at the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival is a triumph-a loud, dangerous, and definitive statement of Slash’s love for the blues and is a resounding success. Slash, through his encyclopedic knowledge of rock and blues history, has captured an infectious and gripping sound that feels both timeless and vital. The performance is a direct line back to the genre’s greatest influences, executed with the hard-rocking precision you expect from a player of his caliber. For those of us who couldn’t make it to the Mission Ballroom, this album comes breathtakingly close to being there. It’s an essential listen for the devoted Slash or blues fan, but more importantly, it’s a necessary addition to your collection for those times you need an upbeat feeling on a dreary Sunday afternoon in Dudley.