.:: SanktuariuM ::.

We're in for a treat with Black Ice. Brendan O'Brien really nailed the sound; sonically, it's got the clarity of Powerage mixed with a hint of the live massivenes of For Those About To Rock, without the cannonfire snare. The entire mix is right up in your face. The tandem guitar tone is killer. Phil's snare sounds like it could kill from fifty paces. The kick drum felt like it was hitting you in the chest. The bass sits perfectly in the mix, and you can hear every note that Cliff plays. And Brian sounds great. Everything is crystal clear.

I got to hear eight of the fifteen songs: "Rock N Roll Train", "Skies On Fire", "Anything Goes", "War Machine", "She Likes Rock N Roll" and "Money Made", and clips of two others.

Of the eight, four stood out to me, though they were all really good songs.

Rock N Roll Train is every bit as good as everyone has said. Killer riff and a great sing-along decending vocal line in the chorus. There's no real solo to speak of, but what Angus plays during the breakdown fits the song perfectly.

Money Made is a slower blues track, but very powerful. Brian really shines on it, and he's mixed right up front. The song made me think that these guys could be the best blues band in the world if they wanted to be.

Anything Goes sounds as unique as anything that they've done. Chiming guitars, and Brian sings a very melodic vocal line. I'd be surprised if it wasn't released as a single at some point.

War Machine was the heaviest track that I heard. It's kind of a mix between Given The Dog A Bone and Hail Caesar.

There was an earlier post about the Rolling Stone review about She Likes Rock N Roll being an instant stripper classic, and they're right. It's got a great groove.

Skies On Fire is another muscular track with a killer riff and great vocals from Brian.

I was really curious to hear Decibel, with the reports of Angus on slide guitar, but that wasn't one of the tracks that they had.

I also got a look at the packaging. The graphic looks even better embossed on the digipack sleeve. And as I understand it, there are going to be three different versions: one with the red logo, one with silver, and one with yellow. The back cover repeats the silhouette-in-the-cog motif with Malcolm in the position that Angus is on the front. Brian, Phil and Cliff are also represented on the back.

Now I REALLY can't wait for it to be released!