After 8 years, the Ancus and Malcolm brothers decided to set the Rock’n’Roll train in motion again from the station where it was waiting. The train quietly moved, like water flowing under the straw, and suddenly appeared before the listeners. The arrival of Black Ice was exactly like that.
Motörhead had already thrown the iron fist of Rock’n’Roll this year (as they do every year), and the second punch surprisingly came from AC/DC. Moreover, they delivered this with a slightly more expanded musical foundation, without stepping a single inch outside their nostalgic style. This balance between being classic and modern is what they achieved!
The gap since Stiff Upper Lip may seem long for a band like AC/DC, but you will definitely forget this gap while listening to the album.
The album was recorded in about two months at The Warehouse studios in Vancouver. During the recording, nobody had a clear idea about the release date or what awaited us. However, two important forces stood beside the band: the famous producer Brendan O'Brien and recording/mixing engineer Mike Fraser, who has worked with many huge bands. All these pieces combined resulted in a massive production.
AC/DC was around in 1973 and remains here today with the same unyielding hardness and noise, holding onto the same spirit. This is a truly admirable feat, especially when many who came after them have vanished. Those who have been loyal AC/DC fans since those days are lucky. Personally, having experienced the Back In Black era and now this period feels like traveling back 28 years in a time machine.
If I start with Brian Johnson’s harsh voice, I might not get out for a long time. His voice seems even stronger than before, and the echoes of his wails linger in your ears for a long time. Angus Young continues to drown us in the sea of Rock’n’Roll with his familiar blues-tinged riffs. The duo he forms with his brother Malcolm works flawlessly, like a well-oiled machine, providing the guarantee that they are the insurance of this craft. Young Jr. is truly a talent on his own, with riffs and solos that once again reveal his magic, and his solos could reignite the blues fire inside anyone.
From macho vocals to Phil Rudd’s drums powerful enough to shake you, from blues/rock’n’roll riffs to solos that make you tremble, everything basically defines “classic AC/DC.” In addition, they wisely shifted gears, creating interesting bridges with longer guitar intros that give a more mystical and mysterious feel. The 15 full-hit tracks here are the result of intense productivity. What more could you ask from AC/DC?
Tracklist:
Rock 'N Roll Train
Skies On Fire
Big Jack
Anything Goes
War Machine
Smash 'N Grab
Spoilin' For A Fight
Wheels
Decibel
Stormy May Day
She Likes Rock 'N Roll
Money Made
Rock 'N Roll Dream
Rocking All The Way
Black Ice
As mentioned in the intro, “Rock ‘N Roll Train” was released prior to the album and it packs an extraordinary punch. It’s a stunning opener with an Angus Young riff that stirs your soul. Brian Johnson’s full-bodied vocals are unforgettable; we hear the sound of a life sunk in drugs and all pleasures, spiraling out of control.
“Skies On Fire” became my first favorite on the album with its emotionally complex riff, perfectly timed drums, and Angus’s burning bluesy solo. Vocals always manage to stand out, and the song shows unexpected sides of AC/DC.
“Big Jack” is perfect to get you fired up; it’s straightforward, fast-paced, and relentless. The chorus sticks in your head and is backed by a solid riff—a true Angus Young recital.
“Anything Goes” is likely to be one of the album’s highlights; it’s wildly energetic. I especially noticed Brian Johnson’s different vocal style here. The song is well-structured from start to finish.
“War Machine,” the second single, sneaks in quietly and reaches a threatening point later on. It reminds me of the old AC/DC toughness, and its killer solo blew me away.
The slower but dynamic “Smash N’ Grab” is the result of amazing harmony between bass and guitar, beautiful melodies, and fierce choir vocals that energize you.
With “Spoilin’ For A Fight,” we return to the ‘80s rock scene; if you slipped this into an old AC/DC album, most wouldn’t guess it’s a new track. A strong riff serves as the backbone, while short solos maximize the pleasure.
“Wheels” is like a duel of sounds, featuring a phenomenal solo that will make the Young brothers wonder what they’ve done this time.
“Decibel” leans a bit toward blues, showcasing insane solos toward the end, but it’s a bit harder for this track to stand out among others.
“Stormy May Day” takes you back to the ‘70s instantly, greeting the AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple of those years with a laid-back riff echoing in your mind.
“She Likes Rock ‘N Roll,” as its name suggests, has a sexy vibe with captivating riffs, a choir chanting “She likes rock n roll, I like rock n roll!” and plenty of complementary solos.
“Money Made” features beautiful overlapping guitar melodies from the Young brothers and dominant bass lines, built on typical repetition.
The album then presents “Rock N’ Roll Dream,” a ballad where guitar details are treated with care, including variations and moments of hardness that elevate the adrenaline.
“Rocking All The Way” opens with warm drums and guitar combos and Brian’s unique vocal style before ramping up the energy. The album closes powerfully with the title track “Black Ice,” boasting a killer main riff and Phil Rudd’s drums taking center stage.
Black Ice is the immediate cure for your nostalgic rock cravings. Above all, it delivers the AC/DC you know and love, while adding subtle differences to create unexpected moments. This legend, defying 35 years, has not lost an ounce of its musical essence. Whatever your favorite AC/DC masterpieces are so far, Black Ice can easily join that hall of fame.