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Ok folks, the album is finally out! Anyone expecting an "Appetite" type of sound will be very disappointed. Chinese Democracy is an extension of the Illusion albums in my opinion. Obviously the new guitarists don't have the creative energy that Slash has, but he is a special and unique talent.
Axl still sounds great and I thought that the Rolling Stone review was pretty spot-on.
Just forget about "Appetite," listen to the album all the way through and you will be pleasantly surprised at how good the music on this album actually is. It is a shame that Buckethead left the band because he is an incredible guitar player and you can hear some of his cool technique on display throughout the album.
I'm waiting for Axl, Slash & Duff to put aside their differences and make the greatest rock album of all time. But considering that is probably never going to happen Go out and buy this album!