A quick review I whipped up a few days ago. I'll do a better in-depth one some other time.
“The original fire has died and gone, but the riot inside moves on…” Cornell chants in the new Audioslave album, Revelations. Although back in 2000 when the revolutionary band was formed, Cornell said he would stay away from politics-based lyrics, the new album features a number of politically strong songs, such as the pre-released “Original Fire”. Audioslave has come a long way from their days with Zack de la Rocha in place of Chris Cornell, fighting against the powers that be under Rage Against the Machine.
As a strong RATM supporter and initial anti-Audioslave-er, my personal expectations of another album were not too high. But once again the music blows me away. Revelations delivers a mix between alternative rock and funk, but always with catchy hooks and lyrics. The guitar virtuoso Tom Morello continues to amaze with his unique sound, breaking the limits of guitar playing. He doesn’t just play the guitar. He has sex with the guitar. All disgusting visual images and connotations aside, he uses his instrument to produce a sound unmatched by any other guitarist. Sometimes I wonder why he hasn’t tried any large-scale solo work.
Revelations, due for release on September the 5th, opens with the title track. Blasting in with strong riffs and the almighty cowbell, this track really demonstrates Audioslave’s style, reminiscent of their first single, “Cochise”. Morello delivers a smooth guitar solo that, frankly, doesn’t sound like a guitar at all. But the band prides themselves in not using any special effects or synthesizers, making it all the more impressive. The second track opens with something that sounds a lot like the second track of Rage Against the Machine’s second album, “Bulls on Parade” on Evil Empire. Of course, this is just Morello going at it with his instrumental prowess again, while the rest of the song rocks on in a lighter, more alternative rock feel.
Thirdly comes “Sound of a Gun”, returning to the heavier side of music. Cornell’s voice hypnotizes you, sliding into cacophonic lines of political and societal criticism. Ironically enough, “Sound of a Gun” doesn’t sound very much like a gun at all. The rest of the album falls back and forth from heavy head rocking guitar rhythms, to pleasant chair-rocking melodies, as is the nature of alternative rock. The album finishes off with “Moth”, a slightly darker tune, but an excellent cap to the whole collection.
Hardcore RATM fans may not be too pleased with this album. While the instrumental side is a step closer to the rapcore thrash they played in the ‘90s, Cornell’s melodic voice isn’t the best component for a Rage comeback, apparent when he tried to sing “Killing in the Name” on several occasions. This is as good as an album as any to get interested in Audioslave, so be sure to give it a listen. The musical talent and skill is very strong, while not individually taking the spotlight (except maybe Morello and his guitar). While most music genres have their lovers and loathers, few people will dislike this collection that promises to please and become a hit album around the world.
“The original fire has died and gone, but the riot inside moves on…” Cornell chants in the new Audioslave album, Revelations. Although back in 2000 when the revolutionary band was formed, Cornell said he would stay away from politics-based lyrics, the new album features a number of politically strong songs, such as the pre-released “Original Fire”. Audioslave has come a long way from their days with Zack de la Rocha in place of Chris Cornell, fighting against the powers that be under Rage Against the Machine.
As a strong RATM supporter and initial anti-Audioslave-er, my personal expectations of another album were not too high. But once again the music blows me away. Revelations delivers a mix between alternative rock and funk, but always with catchy hooks and lyrics. The guitar virtuoso Tom Morello continues to amaze with his unique sound, breaking the limits of guitar playing. He doesn’t just play the guitar. He has sex with the guitar. All disgusting visual images and connotations aside, he uses his instrument to produce a sound unmatched by any other guitarist. Sometimes I wonder why he hasn’t tried any large-scale solo work.
Revelations, due for release on September the 5th, opens with the title track. Blasting in with strong riffs and the almighty cowbell, this track really demonstrates Audioslave’s style, reminiscent of their first single, “Cochise”. Morello delivers a smooth guitar solo that, frankly, doesn’t sound like a guitar at all. But the band prides themselves in not using any special effects or synthesizers, making it all the more impressive. The second track opens with something that sounds a lot like the second track of Rage Against the Machine’s second album, “Bulls on Parade” on Evil Empire. Of course, this is just Morello going at it with his instrumental prowess again, while the rest of the song rocks on in a lighter, more alternative rock feel.
Thirdly comes “Sound of a Gun”, returning to the heavier side of music. Cornell’s voice hypnotizes you, sliding into cacophonic lines of political and societal criticism. Ironically enough, “Sound of a Gun” doesn’t sound very much like a gun at all. The rest of the album falls back and forth from heavy head rocking guitar rhythms, to pleasant chair-rocking melodies, as is the nature of alternative rock. The album finishes off with “Moth”, a slightly darker tune, but an excellent cap to the whole collection.
Hardcore RATM fans may not be too pleased with this album. While the instrumental side is a step closer to the rapcore thrash they played in the ‘90s, Cornell’s melodic voice isn’t the best component for a Rage comeback, apparent when he tried to sing “Killing in the Name” on several occasions. This is as good as an album as any to get interested in Audioslave, so be sure to give it a listen. The musical talent and skill is very strong, while not individually taking the spotlight (except maybe Morello and his guitar). While most music genres have their lovers and loathers, few people will dislike this collection that promises to please and become a hit album around the world.