Instrumental music is not for everyone. Still, lots of creative people enjoy it when they seek a vibe but not a vocal that might distract from thought or focused actions–like writing music reviews. I’m writing this one while listening to guitar virtuoso John 5’s latest, Ghost, and while it’s not exactly haunting, it is a harmonious aural experience which shows off fantastical fret and finger skills, as well as a fiercely focused heart.
I suggest watching 5’s brand new interview on Billy Corgan’s podcast, “The Magnificent Others,” to fully understand what I mean. On the show, the guitarist shares the shocking series of traumas that led him to delve deeper into the technical nuances of progressive shred-style guitar playing.
More from Spin:
- Wilco, Billy Bragg To Join Forces Again At Solid Sound
- Foo Fighters Book 2026 Stadium Tour, Drop New Song
- Bono, The Edge Revisit U2 Classics At Guthrie Prize Ceremony
The deaths of 5’s sister, father, mother, and best friend occurred within a short time frame, which led to multiple mental and physical ailments. He found that experimenting with and putting his mind and body intently into something he loved—his instrument—made things better. Listening to his latest material, you can almost feel the emotions as he works through them via every menacing riff and rhythmic repetition.
The former David Lee Roth/Rob Zombie/Marilyn Manson axe man, who is currently filling Mick Mars’ boots in Mötley Crüe, also celebrates his beloved white Fender Telecaster (called “The Ghost”) on the title track, manipulating its strings with both heavy aggression and lighter whips of whimsy that feel cathartic.
Not to be confused with the band Ghost or any of their output, which might share some aesthetic qualities, this buoyant and bombastic record is less about mood or morbidity, and all about highlighting metallic mastery, making a statement that doesn’t need words. Ten studio albums in, instrumentalism is 5’s thing and he does it well.
There’s also industrial-style menace (“Wicked World,” “Strung Out”) that could drive a dance floor with the right remix, and a showcasing of finesse with other genres, like bluegrass and old-timey jazz. “Moon Glow,” with Matt Bissonette and Marco Minnemann, makes for a sweet prelude to the bluesy and jam-like “You, Me And The Devil Makes Three,” which is touted as featuring his bandmate Tommy Lee on “hand claps and foot stomps.”
A cinematic feel drives some cuts too, like “L.A. Express” and “Fiend” (the latter featuring drum great Kenny Aronoff). Both conjure speed and excitement, meshing retro elements with futuristic flourishes that have the urgency of an action flick fight scene or car chase.
“Deviant” might be the highlight here. With drum work from Jane’s Addiction’s Stephen Perkins, it’s the grooviest number on the record, and also the giddiest melding of musical maneuvers and pummeling personal stylings.
Everything on Ghost has an otherworldly feel to it that won’t come as a surprise to 5’s fans. Though he prides himself on playing note for note from the iconic records he gets to perform on stage (especially when it comes to the Crüe, which he joined in late 2022), he clearly relishes the freedom of noodling out on his own material. It’s a controlled yet cosmic chaos that brings to mind one of his biggest idols, Ace Frehley.
The owner of one of the biggest and best collections of KISS memorabilia in the world (he even opened it to the public as a museum earlier this year), 5 was also a close friend of Frehley. The recently departed Spaceman influences him heavily to this day, from the white face paint that graces this album’s cover to the grandiosity and grit of their playing styles.
Beyond the occasional podcast appearance, it’s telling that 5 continues to communicate in an untraditional way on record, with no singing or lyrics, just licks, taps, picks, and the random sample. Though he is clearly inspired by guitar gods from the past, he is also consistent about forging new paths. Ghost evokes new levels of musical mastery, and a relentless spirit that despite some wild soundscapes, feels very real and very alive.
To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.
