They’re Baaaack!

Ya know, I really hate doing CD reviews like this! I mean, how can you review a CD by a band that’s already a legend? With so many classic songs and so many classic albums, even if AC/DC’s newest release “Black Ice” is extraordinary, how can I compare it to something like “Back In Black” or “Highway To Hell?” I guess you really can’t, but still… as far as AC/DC goes, “Black Ice” is an outstanding album all its own.

“Grow up!” What the Hell does that mean? All these bands out there who have spent their time changing their image or trying to “mature” could take a lesson from these guys as AC/DC are still as raunchy, explicit and (seemingly) horny as they’ve always been. They’re no political statements being made here, no goofy love songs and no holding back as far as trying to be “politically correct.” AC/DC is still today what they have ALWAYS been… a hard-rockin’, kick-ass band in its purest form.

“Black Ice” is the type of CD that really takes you back. The whole image and feel to the record makes you feel like you’re a kid again… taking on the world… invincible! And still trying to get laid in the back of your father’s car!

Opening with the quintessential AC/DC sounding track “Rock N Roll Train,” the chords are unmistakably Angus Young’s and the heart-pounding rhythm will have you chanting along with this epic anthem in no time.

My God! What has happened to Johnson’s voice? The answer is… NOTHING!!! You’d think after all these years of belting out that strong, raspy, one-of-a-kind voice night after night, time would have taken its toll by now. Well, it hasn’t… not in the least! While it’s been almost 30 years since the passing of original AC/DC vocalist Bon Scott and there’ll always be a special place in our hearts for him, Brian Johnson still remains the heart and voice of this band and on “Black Ice,” he’s still just as powerful and masterful as ever. Given, you still can’t understand what the fuck he’s talking about 80% of the time, but what the Hell!?! Grab yourself a lyrics sheet and rock on!

It took over 8 years, but “Black Ice” certainly delivers everything you’ve come to expect from AC/DC. From edgy, blues-ridden tracks like “Decibel,” “Skies On Fire,” or “Money Made” to in-your-face rockers that almost sound like they could have been outtakes from “Who Made Who” or “Back In Black” like “Rocking All The Way,” “Wheels” or Smash N Grab,” AC/DC prove once again that they are the undisputed kings of rock ‘n roll.

Other tracks of note include “War Machine” which is eerily reminiscent of “Giving The Dog A Bone” in its composition, one of my favorite tracks “Big Jack” (with its heavy power chord driven rhythm, this is the epitome of an AC/DC track), “Anything Goes” (which seems to be a little different sounding for the band. Up-tempo but still a little bit on the lighter side… almost like Bruce Springsteen goes metal!) and “Rock N Roll Dream” which starts off almost commercial or “ballady” sounding but builds into a power-packed rocker… definitely another different direction for the band but the pull it off brilliantly. Then finally, the title track “Black Ice.” What can I say, this aggressive, bluesy, explosive rocker is the perfect finale to wrap things up with.

Look, we all love and treasure albums like “Back In Black,” “Highway To Hell” and “High Voltage” so just take “Black Ice for what it is… another great, great monster release by one of the greatest rock ‘n roll bands of all time… and that IS without question.