MMMusic
AC/DC 'Black Ice' sneak preview
Posted by MMMusic Tuesday 9 September, 2008 12:17 PM
A week or so back, a few of us Triple M'ers got to visit the hallowed halls of Albert Studios in Sydney to hear a selection of tracks from AC/DC's blistering new album Black Ice. How did they sound? Freaken awesome!
As we settled into the plush studio, Albert Music CEO Tim Prescott told us that while three tracks were floating around Sony offices around the world, the only copy of the album was here in Sydney.
:: View our AC/DC Retrospective photo gallery
Band policy was it could only be played in the company of gatekeeper Sam Horsburgh, brother-in-law to Malcolm and Angus Young, who's been with the company for over 30 years.
Prescott also mentioned the band resisted the urge to hold back any tracks (for B-sides or bonus tracks), preferring to put all 15 tracks on the album "because the fans have been waiting so long."
Then at mind-blowing volume, we were treated to 10 new tracks and our ears were still ringing three hours after leaving. For now, we're only allowed to preview two of the newies with more to come soon. Hold tight.
War Machine
A ferocious highlight of a track with a menacing, more evil mood about it. It kicks off with a throbbing heartbeat of a bassline before a trademark AC/DC riff saws through it. This song will kick your arse! Brian Johnson howls the chorus 'War machine / war (pause) machine' like a demonic warlord, spitting 'Better watch your back / and cover your tracks.'
The second chorus builds to a climax through a crossfire of guitars going off left and right, but the band manage to reign it in perfectly.
Stormy May Day
This wicked track is a stand-out, partly because it cuts itself loose from the standard AC/DC mould and opens with some great slide guitar that recalls early Ben Harper. Then the AC/DC beast rears it head and slams down the door.
The chorus echoes Johnson's tendency for repetition, roaring 'May Day / May Day / Stormy May Day'. Interestingly, in the bridge, he drops his high-frequency yowl and sings much lower, more like a mortal. Staggering.
It has to be said Brendan O'Brien's production on this album is excellent - simultaneously colossal yet crystal clear with lots of attention paid to the mid-range. In short, it's brutal!
More to come we promise.
Related AC/DC news:
:: Angus Young: I'll still wear my uniform
:: Fans race to leak new AC/DC track
:: AC/DC confirm new single, album and world tour
Comments
Man Im jealous... I wanna hear this freaken album now... October is just too far away
Posted by Harry Tuesday 9 September, 2008 05:31 PM
Love the sound of May Day. love the slide. Im with harry, far too long to wait on this one...
Posted by Dez Tuesday 9 September, 2008 05:52 PM
i hope i dont die before the album comes out!
Posted by simon williams Tuesday 9 September, 2008 07:59 PM
I love AC/DC and i cant wait for the new album to come out. You have no idea how excited I am!!!!!
Posted by Jessie Thursday 18 September, 2008 03:08 PM
Man I tried to pre-order this on their website - turns out you have to be a freaking yank to get it so I am going there to get it myself next month.
Posted by Michael O Thursday 18 September, 2008 06:37 PM
Hearing the new song Rock n Roll Train made my day. I was hyped up for ages on the feeling comes back every time I hear it!
I love AC/DC!!!!! Wish you guys could go on forever!!!!!!
Posted by jamie swords Thursday 18 September, 2008 11:12 PM
whoooooooooooooooooooooooooo NIRVANA!!!!!!!!!
Posted by steff Monday 22 September, 2008 11:14 AM
When are you going to post the rest of the review?
Posted by Rick Friday 26 September, 2008 09:02 AM
