Slash is one of the most recognisable musicians of modern times. His ability to jam out the most distinctive guitar licks is incredible and it's hard to resist the urge to break out into a spontaneous bout of air guitar.

Now, after more than two decades in bands ? Guns N' Roses, Slash's Snakepit, Velvet Revolver ? he goes it alone on his solo debut. Well, sort of. With his voice no match for his fretwork, he's surrounded himself with some of the most well-known and influential singers.

And that's no exaggeration: the roll call on 'Slash' includes Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy, Iggy Pop, Chris Cornell, Wolfmother's Andrew Stockdale, Maroon 5's Adam Levine, and even Fergie from Black Eyed Peas.

It's an eclectic mix, certainly, but none of the vocalists seem out of place. Other than Levine, perhaps. Although he's a good singer in his own right, his comparatively boyish vocals ? wedged between the rasps of Stockdale and Lemmy ? break the old-school mood a bit.

It doesn't help that Stockdale's 'By The Sword' is a personal favourite. With his voice sounding not unlike Slash's former musical partner Axl Rose, their collaboration is a rather slow effort compared to the rest of the album. Nevertheless, Wolfmother fans will instantly fall for it and Slash's solo, about three quarters in, is a heartfelt one, with some real string-benders thrown in for good measure.

An even better showcase for his playing is the instrumental 'Watch This' featuring Dave Grohl on drums and long-time partner in crime Duff McKagan on bass. It's filled with the same signature beats Grohl lent Nirvana and Them Crooked Vultures, while Slash lets rip with the long chords and high notes.

Don't skip 'Nothing To Say' either. Featuring M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold and some hefty guitar work, it sounds like something Slash was born to play.

In fact, no matter what genre he tackles or who he teams up with, 'Slash' finds the axeman on fire, embracing the freedom a solo album offers.