"Black Ice" will significantly with "Rock n Roll Train", a party rock number with crunchy riff and sing-along chorus that the show-opener should not unduly be for the upcoming tour. Not outstanding, but pleasant enough to continue listening cheerfully. "Skies on Fire" is a mid-tempo Stampfer of drops somewhat, but with "Big Jack" put the Aussies then a flawless Stadium firecrackers out ("Santa Not The Only One got a full sack" - gorgeous). With the lilting "Anything goes" is then set something on the more melodic side, before the public in front of him seething "War Machine" (with barking chorus by Malcolm Young) all thumbs can face up.
Had the album been going on in this quality, four star would have been in there loose. But from the second half of the album is simply weaker. Not that really a bad song would be found - on the contrary, they are simply irrelevant. "Spoilin 'for a Fight", "Wheels", "Money Made" - all passable RiffRocker and Stampfer, but do not want to get caught. "Stormy May Day" surprised again briefly with slide guitar and the title track finally hangs by his staccato riffs, but the rest will pass you by.
These "average songs" always existed in AC / DC, on the gods albums. But now they are no longer the exception but the rule, unfortunately. Sure, a certain level never drops below; the neck twitches and the foot will mitwippen but genuine enthusiasm is not aroused. In addition, a real super-hit (as z.Bsp. "Thunderstruck," "Hard as a rock" etc.), which the recent albums has once again catapulted well in the four-star region, just missing. As with any AC / DC album here as well to note that the band's live simply much snappier and it's a shame that on the whole plate "quiet" and "tamed" sounds.
A note to the two frontmen of the band. Angus Young adheres unfortunately quite back here just to show his live solos (even on the newer titles) that would have been here longer there. Shouter Brian Johnson on the other hand surprised. The predecessor "Stiff Upper Lip" was clearly audible that age and cigarette consumption have demanded his tribute. On "Black Ice", however, screams, spits and roars against Johnson suddenly as 25 years. Fewer cigarettes? Better Whiskey? Spontaneous regeneration? - No idea, but the singing Johnson I like really good again.
Conclusion: An AC / DC album has from the outset a level that others have only once reached (no AC / DC album has a rating below 3 stars). Lack overheating (s) unfortunately a bit average plant that has but with "Rock n Roll Train", "Anything goes", "Big Jack", "Black Ice" and the sizzling "War machine" but enough firecrackers at the start to to please and to make us forget the weak predecessor. Roughly on a level with "Ball Breaker" and "The Razors Edge".
