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For many rock fans, the release of Australian band AC/DC's fifteenth studio album has been one of the most eagerly anticipated events of 2008. Part of the reason for this is that it's been eight years since its predecessor, Stiff upper lip'. The other reason, of course, is that AC/DC are one of the most popular heavy rock bands on the planet.

AC/DC have made their reputation on solid riff-laden rock n'roll, augmented by singer Brian Johnson's screechy vocals. They are not one of rock's more sophisticated bands but they produce music that is life affirming in its still youthful vigour and catchiness.

This opus kicks off with the first single to be taken from the album, Rock n'roll train'. It's pretty much an instant classic. When Planet Rock first played this track, the DJ loved it so much that he immediately played it again you will probably do the same!

Amongst the other really great songs on this album are Big Jack' (which will satisfy some AC/DC fans love of non too subtle innuendo), War machine' (which sees them get slightly political) and the title track Black Ice'. Other tracks like Wheels', Money Made', Skies on fire' and Decibel' mine the same seam of AC/DC gold.

There are a couple of tracks also that possibly deviate slightly from the normal AC/DC formula. Anything goes' is a gentler song that I first heard on the radio and wondered who the band was. I think it works quite well and is perhaps a sign of a band that is comfortable enough with their place in rock's pantheon to dabble with the occasional flight of fancy. Stormy May day' is another song that I think stands out as slightly different and is one of my favourite tracks on the album.

The production sound on the album is good and Brian's voice is in pretty good shape. The guitars, as you'd expect, are world class and the album's got that good groove that you'd associate with AC/DC when on form. Lots of positives then and it's an album that should stand the test of time. The one thing though that possibly lets it down is the sheer number of tracks that they've included. Pretty much all the reviews that I've read have stated that the album's good (and has its fair share of gems) but that it's let down by having too many filler songs.

I agree with this sentiment. Smash n'grab' and Spoilin' for a fight' are the sixth and seventh tracks on the album and are the first point where the album starts to flag slightly. They're not bad but they suffer in comparison with the quality that precedes them. The album

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