Chinese Democracy

Editorial Review

Chinese Democracy is the upcoming sixth studio album by the American rock band Guns N' Roses. Recording for Chinese Democracy began in 1994.

Ex-bassist Duff McKagan is quoted as saying, "[the] band was so splintered at that point that nothing got started".Slash has criticized Rose for making the band seem "like a dictatorship". In his autobiography, Slash, Slash writes that his departure from the band in 1996 was caused by "Axl wanting control to the point that the rest of us were strangled".  Slash quit the band in 1996; drummer Matt Sorum and McKagan left soon afterwards. Slash was replaced by Nine Inch Nails touring guitarist Robin Finck, ex-Replacements bassist Tommy Stinson replaced McKagan, and Josh Freese joined as the drummer.

In 1999, the industrial metal song "Oh My God" was released on the End of Days soundtrack. It featured current Guns N' Roses members Axl Rose, Dizzy Reed, Robin Finck, Chris Pitman and Tommy Stinson, along with former members Paul Tobias and Josh Freese. Dave Navarro and Gary Sunshine also recorded guitar parts for the song. "Oh My God" was unpopular upon its release, and was described by Allmusic as "a less than satisfying comeback." 

The sound of Chinese Democracy was often reported to be industrial rock music similar to Nine Inch Nails and Ministry, a style that Rose had long been a fan of. However, in a 2001 interview with an Argentine radio station, Rose stated the album wasn't industrial, and would vary in styles: Bach has also described the album as having "the rawness and the power of Appetite for Destruction, but it also has the grandiosity of 'November Rain'. Long time Guns N' Roses producer Mike Clink was reported to have worked on the album during its conception. Moby and Youth turned down offers to work on the album. 

According to Rolling Stone, Nevermind engineer Andy Wallace was working on the album in 2006. A source close to Guns N' Roses is quoted as saying "we're absolutely delighted with the mixes". Other producers who have worked on the album include: Roy Thomas Baker, Bob Ezrin and Sean Beavan. The band have worked with numerous other artists during Chinese Democracy's recording process; including guitarists Brian May and Dave Navarro. May recorded the lead guitar parts for the leaked song "Catcher N' the Rye" in 1999, however, "Catcher N' the Rye" is confirmed to appear on Chinese Democracy, but it's unknown if May's parts will be on the song if when is officially released. NBA star Shaquille O'Neal rapped on a song with the band. He took a break from his own recording session and found Dizzy Reed and then-drummer Josh Freese working in a neighboring studio. Composers Marco Beltrami and Paul Buckmaster worked on orchestral arrangements for the album in the early 2000s. 

In January 2007, former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach recorded backing vocals for a song called "Sorry" at Electric Lady Studios. Harpist Patti Hood has also recorded parts for the album.

Additional Info

• Recording: STEREO
• Format: Single Case

Tracklisting