Audioslave - Out of Exile
The guys from Audioslave are back with a brand new album, released the 23rd May. After their excellent first album, the expectations were very high and they managed to create an opus that mixes all the ingredients necessary to produce THE perfect rock album.
The band formed by ex-members of Rage Against the Machine and Soundgarden prove here that they know what rock is about.
Highlights of this album have to be 'Be Yourself' (the first single coming out the 6th June), 'Drown me Slowly', 'Heavens Dead', 'The Worm' and 'The Curse'.
Each of these songs has its own atmosphere. 'Be Yourself' is probably one of the best tunes on 'Out of Exile' and is a very clever choice for a first single. It shows the entire band at their best whether it is vocally or instrumentally.
'Drown me Slowly' has a very pure rock sound, the sound you had back in the 60's-70's with bands like The Rolling Stones. There is definitely something that reminds you of this great period in this particular song.
Next track, 'Heavens Dead' and another atmosphere. This time Audioslave offers us a superb ballad, one that only the best rock bands know how to write without being cheesy.
'The Worm' is rocky, sexy and mysterious at the same time. Chris Cornell (vocals) is doing a brilliant job, not to mention Morello and his guitar. Vocals and slow guitar riffs alternate giving the whole power to the track.
'The Curse' is another ballad with superb lyrics once again. It is the song where you can properly listen to each and every instruments at their best.
This album has something for everyone. In one song you will have the feeling that you're listening to a duet between Lenny Kravitz on the guitar and the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the vocals and music ('Out of Exile'), and on some others the guys have tried a more pop/rock sound.
The only track that would be less convincing would be 'Doesn't Remind Me'. Even if its popish/rock sound is refreshing and enjoyable it does not have the same quality as the others.
The very last track on this album is a live performance of 'Like a Stone' and the only thing you can say about it- amazing.
Brendan O'Brien who also produced Vs by Pearl Jam mixed the album and you can tell that some similarities are definitely audible.
If you did not get the chance to have a ticket for their tour in the UK in June then don't miss them in July at the T in the Park festival. They're definitely be a band to watch!