KEY POINTS:
If you're looking for the best Queens of the Stone Age album you now have three to choose from. First there was the band's second album, R, in 2000, then 2002's Songs For the Deaf - and their fifth album, Era Vulgaris, is their best. Well, it's a three-way tie at least.
Band leader Josh Homme is back with more of his woozy and grinding rock'n'roll.
Sitting somewhere between R and Deaf, there are dark and abrasive moments, like on the murky Battery Acid and the earsplitting last track, Run Pig Run, that make for unsettling listening. But be brave, because in keeping with Homme's camp, cheeky and at times staunch wit there's I'm Designer (with the great line, "It's just like diamonds ... in shit") and Misfit Love, a surefire sing-along hit when you're in the sack on these chilly winter nights.
And Homme (formerly of Kyuss and part of the Eagles of Death Metal) reveals his sensitive side on Suture Up Your Future, a quiet reflection about moving on, and the delightful ditty, Make It Wit U.
With only 11 tracks and the inclusion of Make It Wit U, a song first recorded for Homme's Desert Sessions project in 2003 and played on the band's last world tour, it might be an indication Homme was struggling for inspiration.
But never fear, this lean approach adds to the album's overall meanness, and there's not one dud here.
Homme's voice gets better with age and his falsetto is one of the best in rock music - it's just as powerful, and definitely more memorable than his somewhat basic singing voice.
This is probably the most stable Queens line-up ever, with the raging Joey Castillo on drums, multi-instrumentalist Troy Van Leeuwen adding sick subtleties, and Chris Goss and Alain Johannes on production duties once again - although that line-up may change when the band tour.
Guest appearances include one by New York upstart Julian Casablancas from the Strokes, who adds his vocal drawl and a Casio keyboard guitar to first single Sick Sick Sick.
The band's last album Lullabies to Paralyze (2005) was recorded after the band's longtime bass player and Homme's friend Nick Oliveri, was booted out.
To be fair, the album was a grower and took a lot of listening to appreciate fully, but it was weighed down by the crap that went down between Homme and Oliveri.
This time round, on Era Vulgaris, Queens have come here to play and it's sick sick sick.
Label: Interscope
Verdict: The Queens are back. All hail the Kings of rock'n'roll
