Although parts of the album’s lower key, electronica-laced back end get a little overawed by the grandeur of the project they accompany, for the most part this is Angels & Airwaves at their most ballsy and creative.

An honest & emotional record.

Being such an influential rock drummer, it's hard not to approach this expecting more of a crossover sound, but treat Travis Barker's debut like an eclectic hip-hop record and it won't disappoint.

While not everything works--‘Dorian’ goes nowhere in particular and the assorted amateurish synths on show grate on the nerves and feel like an afterthought--this is rarely less than compelling.

With each song bleeding seamlessly into the next, there's little relief from all the doom and gloom, but regardless, this remains another worthy addition to Harvey Milk's awkward oeuvre.

They're no longer a phenomenon; instead, Sum 41 have continued to mature into a rather good band.

Nothing groundbreaking, but sure to keep fans of the band happy.

There's no let-up, no pretty acoustic interludes, just full-on musical onslaught.

It’s album number three from Steel Panther and no surprise, it’s ridiculous spoof-splattered business as usual.

It's noticeably darker than '09s Attics To Eden, but they've strategically kept their arrangements succinct and tight to keep their signature catchiness.

While they continue down a more measured, accessible route--calling to mind everyone from The Clash to Rancid--there’s a freshness to the anarchy this time. Here’s a welcome beacon of hope.

It's all good fun and makes the most of its human components, but there isn't much here that emerges as truly awe-inspiring or anything else other than a jolly good jam between chums. Of course, if that's all that's needed for Apocalyptica to remain among Finland's most popular imports, then for now, at least, it's still job done.

TIHTWS is the sound of band who know what they are good at and are good at what they know, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

The brutality of the breakdowns and throat-cutting growls are balanced by infectious melody and clean vocals, offering possibly their most complete package yet.

More industrial than 08's Anthems For The Damned, this fifth effort should slip them into that position.

Skillfully sketched melodies are their calling card and, while it has virtually no bite or cutting edge to speak of, there is enough craft and subtle depth here to warrant repeat listens.

The dweeb-core champs’ songs might as well come with a ‘kick me’ sign pinned to them, but the depth and quality of Holy Ghost is an exercise in kicking back and refusing to be defeated.

The production allows the introspective oddness of Soto’s lyrics to show through better, lending them a really likeable, stand-out character.

Old fans will lap Rescue up (and rightly so), but there's not much on offer here to entice fresh ears and gain new fans.

The resulting sound is one of wistful melancholia, designed for dark rooms, loud headphones and the flickering feeling that while life can be shitty at times, there’s always a chance to find happiness.

With beautifully harmonised vocals sitting alongside pared-down guitar lines, their lyrical themes of love and loss will hit nerves you never knew you had.

No, this isn’t Weezer at their world-altering best, but it is the sound of a band who have at least re-opened the door to the cupboard where their magic formula is kept.

Whether it’s thrashier influences on ‘Silver Linings’ or lyrics that casually rip the piss out of their genre in ‘In Light Of Me’, it’s a refreshing listen.

Tracks can bleed into one another, but their ideas are finally finding focus. This is Wovenwar, but a whole lot meaner, louder and more driven.

This album is a fine introduction to one of the scene’s most exciting and original new bands. Keep an eye on this lot.

This record manages the remarkable feat of balancing true integrity with universal appeal.

There are moments, like the echoey, spacious ‘Dead Moon’, when things get eerie and alienated but more often they’re down-to-earth and bluesy, like they’ll stop playing when the beers arrive.

A Thousand Suns is a more experienced and experimental Linkin Park. You may not get it to begin with but persevere and you'll be rewarded.