As a long time fan of both Stone Temple Pilots and Guns N' Roses, I was really looking forward to this disc. Although I was a bit surprised by the album, I am very pleased with the results. As you would expect, it sounds a bit like GN'R and a bit like STP. Although it sounds more like STP than GN'R. If you are expecting 'Use Your Illusion III,' you may be disappointed because Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin were a huge part of the GN'R sound. However, 'Contraband' isn't supposed to sound like a GN'R album, this is a new band. Producer Josh Abraham gives the album a modern twist. Unlike Slash's Snakepit, nothing on this album sounds retro. Although the album sounds modern, it's sprinkled with Slash's signature solos. Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum provide a killer rhythm section and guitarist Dave Kushner gives the music an extra layer of thickness.  Scott Weiland sounds great as always and is a perfect fit for the band.