In the craziness of our lives, it is comforting to know that some things seem to never change. Recently, Australian hard rock band AC/DC proved itself to be worthy of such a distinction.
On Oct. 20, AC/DC released its first studio album in eight years. Entitled ‘Black Ice,’ the album ends the longest gap of time between releases by the band.
The album, which is being sold exclusively through Wal-Mart ‘amp; Sam’s Club stores, will certainly not disappoint fans of the revered rock band.
Formed in Australia, brothers Angus ‘amp; Malcolm Young named the band after a label on their sister’s sewing machine. In 1974, the band would become an exceptional act when vocalist Bon Scott joined the band. With Scott at the helm, the Young brothers achieved massive success throughout their native Australia.
1976 saw AC/DC sign an international record deal with Atlantic Records. The resulting albums include the rock radio standards ‘T.N.T.,’ ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,’ and the anthem, ‘Highway to Hell.’
Unfortunately, the album ‘Highway to Hell’ would become Bon Scott’s last album. On Feb. 19, 1980 Scott passed away at the age of 33.
Refusing to disband, AC/DC moved forward with new vocalist, Brian Johnson. According to Angus Young, Bon Scott had seen Johnson perform and spoke highly of his performance abilities.
Now, with Johnson on board, the band would go on to record its most successful album. Entitled Back in Black, the album contains rock gems such as ‘You Shook Me All Night Long,’ ‘Hells Bells,’ ‘amp; ‘Back in Black.’
With its status subsequently elevated to ‘Rock Royalty’ the band has remained active ever since. Now, in 2008, the band tries to maintain this legendary status.
Black Ice’s first track, ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Train,’ immediately delivers rock fans guitarist Angus Young’s classic sounding guitar chords. Once lead vocalist Brian Johnson adds his signature brand of ‘scream-singing.’ the adrenaline begins to pump vigorously. Finally, complete the song with a catchy, chant-like chorus, and there is no doubt that ‘Black Ice’ is one quality hard rock album.
Fortunately, following the burst of energy that is ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Train,’ comes many more in-your-face rockers. These tracks demonstrate why AC/DC is still a musical force to be reckoned with. Amongst these notable tracks are ‘War Machine,’ ‘She Likes Rock ‘N’ Roll’ and ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Dream.’
In many ways, all of 15 tracks of
‘Black Ice’ display the signature AC/DC hard rockin’ sound. However, unless the listener is a die-hard fan, the album can easily lose its spunk around track 10. It seems that some greater variation in the sound of the songs could have helped make the album more attention grabbing from start to finish.
Regardless, ‘Black Ice’ is undoubtedly a great hard rock effort by AC/DC, worthy of purchasing. It just might be better when listened to in bits and pieces.
In support of the new album, AC/DC began its highly anticipated Black Ice World Tour in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on Oct. 28.

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