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"Shackler's Revenge" (CD single) (by Guns N' Roses, Rock)

common sense media says

Axl's finally back with Rock Band 2 track.

parents & educators say
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this single -- which debuted in the Rock Band 2 video game -- has some dark, violent lyrics, painting a portrait of a man who's thinking about shooting a bunch of people ... and maybe himself, too. Unpleasant as that sounds, it's fairly tame compared to Guns N' Roses' earlier output, which sometimes used racist, sexist, and homophobic slurs in sordid stories of death, prostitution, and drug abuse.

Positive messages: There are dark images of depression and anger: "I've got a wicked demon inside that never fades / I've got an empty feeling I won't be home today."
Violence: The song's story is about killing. A sample lyric: "I've got an itchy finger and there'll be hell to pay / I'm gonna pull the trigger and blow them all away."
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on "Shackler's Revenge" (CD single)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about why the band -- which hasn't put out an album of original music since 1991's Use Your Illusion I and II -- would decide to debut their new single in a video game. How has the band's sound changed? Is it really the same band if most of the original members are gone? Families can also discuss how aggressive music makes teens feel. It is an appropriate way to vent your emotions, or does it make you feel angrier?

What's the story?

What's the story?
After 14 years in the making, Guns N' Roses quietly gave fans a glimpse of the band's long-awaited Chinese Democracy album, releasing the single "Shackler's Revenge" as a track on Rock Band 2. Although the song hasn't been officially released elsewhere, leaked versions have made their way around the Web.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
"Shackler's Revenge" begins with the same low growl and industrial rumble that marked the band's last piece of original music -- the nu-metal mess "Oh My God" from 1999's End of Days soundtrack that was virtually unrecognizable as GNR. There's still some of that dated sound to "Shackler's Revenge" -- think Marilyn Manson meets Korn -- but Axl's distinct wail and a sharp chorus save the song, making it a respectable comeback.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: September 14, 2008
Label: Geffen Records
Genre: Rock
This review was written by Susan Yudt
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Christian Baughman
teen, 17 years old
12
 
12 and up
I love Guns N rose they are AWESOME!!!!!!!!! I think they all are right for 12 years old and up. 80s rocks.
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Anonymous 179
teen, 17 years old
7
 
This made me laugh!
This is another review that needs some serious re-amending from CSM, there is ONE word that can relate to anything, even remotely, violent, in, what? 200 something words? And that word is "trigger" My 6 year old brother likes this song! Buckethead's solo is amazing! A must have!
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bournefan
kid, 13 years old
2
 
wow
well how can the be the only thing for gnr no appetite no slash gnr sucks now old gnr is awesome and axl is still on drugs but axl sucks
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helped me decide (1) | had useful details | read my mind (1)
nickelmcpickle
teen, 14 years old
11
 
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