Slash reveals his current favourite metal bands

Legendary guitarist Slash has been a major force in rock music for decades, thanks to his iconic work with Guns N’ Roses and his unmistakable bluesy, riff-heavy style. However, while Slash’s roots lie in blues and classic rock, his tastes extend into heavier territory—especially when it comes to metal.

As he prepares to release his upcoming blues album, Orgy of the Damned, which will feature a number of blues covers, Slash took some time to share what’s been filling his playlists lately. In a recent interview on the YouTube series Coffee With Ola, the guitar legend opened up about the metal bands that have caught his attention.

Metal Favorites: Gojira and Metallica Lead the Pack

When asked about what he’s been listening to lately, Slash revealed that while he continues to enjoy rock and blues, some metal acts have especially impressed him. “I love Gojira, it’s great,” he said, praising the eco-conscious French metal band known for their powerful sound and deep lyrics. Gojira’s mix of thrash, groove, and progressive metal has been making waves, and it’s clear they’ve earned Slash’s admiration.

Another heavy favorite for Slash is Metallica, specifically their latest album, 72 Seasons. “The new Metallica record is fucking amazing,” Slash enthused, praising the legendary thrash band’s latest release. With 72 Seasons, Metallica continues to show their dominance in the metal world, and Slash isn’t the only one who’s taken notice.

A Nod to the Veterans: Megadeth and AC/DC

In addition to newer metal, Slash hasn’t forgotten about the genre’s titans. He gave a shout-out to Megadeth’s 2022 album, The Sick, The Dying… and the Dead!, highlighting it as one of the records that’s been on heavy rotation for him. Megadeth has long been a cornerstone of thrash metal, and their latest effort clearly resonates with Slash.

But it’s not just metal that’s occupying Slash’s time. He also mentioned his continued appreciation for older rock bands. AC/DC, for instance, continues to be a favorite, especially after the release of their 2020 album Power Up. He also gave props to Queens of the Stone Age, who released In Times New Roman… last year, a record that’s become another standout for him.

Discovering New Talent: Dirty Honey

While many of the bands Slash named are heavyweights in the rock and metal scenes, he’s also excited about some newer talent. One band that stands out is Dirty Honey, a rising act whose blend of blues-rock and classic rock elements has captured the attention of many. Slash called them one of the “most highly rated” of the newer bands he’s been listening to.

For a musician as prolific as Slash, it’s clear that while his heart is rooted in blues and rock, his passion for discovering and enjoying metal—whether from veteran acts or newer talents—remains strong. Whether he’s shredding his own riffs or vibing with the intensity of Gojira, Metallica, or Dirty Honey, Slash continues to keep his finger on the pulse of rock and metal.