If there is one word to describe Guns N’ Roses fans, it’s – patient. After the original band broke up in 1996, it took 20 years for Slash and Duff McKagan to rejoin Axl Rose. 15 years passed for new music to be released between the breakup and reunion. The highly anticipated Chinese Democracy was considered a flop by some – read All Music Magazine’s review of the record here. But, the icing on the cake must have been when fans waited up to three hours for the band to come on stage during the 90s. So, when it was announced that the two newest singles were delayed, some fans must have laughed a bit.
When the band announced that there would be new music coming out, fans were excited, but there was a sense of skepticism. The two releases in 2021, “ABSUЯD” and “Hard Skool,” went off without a hitch. 2023’s ‘Perhaps” was released following a leak from a jukebox at a bar and received even more applause upon the release. Another release from 2023, “The General,” was speculated to be released any day when fans noticed it was in alternate setlists from live shows.
Then, that leads us to 2025 and the release of “Atlas” and “Nothin’”. They were scheduled to be released on Dec. 2, 2025, according to an Instagram photo, until it was reported that they were being delayed. Now, two days and what felt like a lifetime of waiting, the two newest singles from the band are here. These two singles are more of the Chinese Democracy leftovers that have been rerecorded and remixed by the band.
Atlas
This four-minute track kicks off with a single note from McKagan before the rest of the band joins in. There’s a noticeable swagger to the tune thanks to new drummer Isaac Carpenter. Carpenter recently joined the band after longtime drummer Frank Ferrer departed the band after 19 years. Rose sounds great on this song, whether it’s the dubbed vocals that add depth to the song or his vocals as a stand-alone item. It’s hard to tell whether Rose re-recorded his vocals or left them from the original sessions – regardless, they’re crisp and clear.
From a musical standpoint, the entire band has kept it down pat, especially after they have toured extensively across the globe. McKagan can clearly be heard throughout the tune and it transports listeners back to the Use Your Illusion days immediately. McKagan isn’t flashy on this song; he’s the quiet ship in the night holding down the rhythm section. Throughout the song, there’s a unique back and forth between Richard Fortus and Slash on guitar, which wasn’t heard on the newer singles that were released. I like Slash’s tone on this track, especially during the solo. It’s just the classic Slash tone. He has a very recognizable sound where fans immediately know it’s him. On this solo, Slash doesn’t elect to go down the melodic route like on “November Rain”; it’s fast, flashy, and right to the point, which is what GNR fans want.
Rate: 8/10
Nothin’
Like “Atlas,” “Nothin’” is also a Chinese Democracy leftover that has gained new life from this version of the band. Dizzy Reed kicks off the track with an electric keyboard before the rest of the band quickly kicks in. It isn’t too long before Slash kicks in with the same tone that is heard on “Estranged” – right around the point in the music video where Rose jumps off the ship, for reference. “Nothin’” is a slower-paced song when compared to “Atlas.” Fans can almost picture Rose swaggering back and forth on stage to this song.
This tune fits perfectly in Rose’s lower range throughout most of the tune. Right before the solo, Rose sings up an octave, which is classic Rose and sends shivers down fans’ spines. A slower, more melodic Slash solo pierces through the two-minute mark. Slash’s sound is a little muddy, but it adds a certain level of power to the song that matches the overall theme. It’s great that Slash can add his own feeling to these tunes even though he had no say in the original crafting of these songs. “Nothin’” is an easy listen in terms of GNR songs. It’s not too complicated and complex like some songs in their category are.
Rating 8/10
When playing both songs back-to-back, fans get a great balance. Atlas is more straight-ahead rock and roll that could have appeared on Appetite for Destruction. On the other hand, Nothin’ sounds like it could have sat comfortably on one of the Use Your Illusion records. The band is headed in the right direction with these two songs. At one point, Slash even admitted that there is more music coming; it’s just a matter of when at this time. But if the other songs sound as good as Atlas and Nothin’, then fans are in for a real treat. These new singles are a must-listen for any GNR fans.
Guns N’ Roses Are:
Axl Rose – Lead Vocals
Slash – Guitar
Duff McKagan – Bass
Dizzy Reed – Keyboards
Melissa Reese – Synthesizers / Keyboards
Richard Fortus – Guitar
Issac Carpenter – Drums
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My love for live music started with my first concert ever, Guns N’ Roses back in 2016. Since then, I’ve been able to capture photos of some amazing artists like Alice Cooper, Judas Priest, Ace Frehley, and Post Malone. I am based in the Boston, Massachusetts area. I am always looking for the next concert to attend.