Guns N’ Roses Return to Classic Sound with New Singles, Explosive Rocker ‘Atlas’ and Emotional Ballad ‘Nothin’

Guns N Roses have long balanced between Axl Roses flair for piano-driven, melodic rock and the raw, hard-hitting energy inspired by their metal and punk roots. On Thursday, December 4, the legendary band treated fans with two fresh tracks that showcase both sides of their musical identity.

The emotional ballad Nothin evokes memories of GNR staples like November Rain and Dont Cry. It starts with delicate keyboard lines as Rose croons about love and devotion, gradually building with drums and electric guitars swelling in intensity. Roses soaring vocals carry the song to a climax, accompanied by a blues-infused solo from Slash that recalls the soulful guitar work reminiscent of Pearl Jams Yellow Ledbetter. The four-minute track closes with Roses impassioned plea, without your love Ill never make it.

In contrast, Atlas launches with a driving, aggressive rock sound. It features another signature Slash guitar solo around the three-minute mark and reportedly traces its origins to the recording sessions for 2008s Chinese Democracy. Both tracks credit the full band, with production by Rose and Caram Costanzo, who previously co-produced Chinese Democracy.

These releases mark the first new music since 2023s The General and Perhaps, following 2021s double release of Hard Skool and Absurd. Despite Slash noting an abundance of material for a potential new album, no official announcement has been made regarding a full-length release, which would be their first since 1991s Use Your Illusion I and II.

Guns N Roses are also preparing for a major 2026 world tour, which will include stadium and amphitheater performances across North America, as well as shows in South America and Europe. Fans can listen to Nothin and Atlas now to get a taste of the bands current sound.

Author: Gavin Porter