Reviewed by Ian Webber

Teaming up with many of his original band mates and a few "big name" friends, Alice Cooper, whose image and sound are instantly recognisable, returns with what is his 27th studio album. The two CD package features 12 brand new tracks and six previously unreleased live classics. Whilst there is little left to produce a surprise, this veteran shock rocker sticks close to the theatrical style for which he is well known. His gravel-edged vocals ride over a base of luxurious guitars and expansive drum tracks. Soaring chords punctuate the driving rhythm of the title track that launches this offering in classic style. Other moments veer into rock opera as Alice and members of his original lineup reveal their progressive side. Clever little one liners litter tracks such as "Dead Flies" revealing Alice has not lost his edge. Current observations like "Your phone knows more about you that your father or mother" are typical fare. U2's Larry Mullen features on many tracks, along with the likes of Billy Gibbons on guitar to add to the fully polished sound. Classic metal fans will enjoy the hard rock influenced "Paranoiac Personality" with its catchy blues-like riff and die hard Cooper followers will enjoy the likes of the classic live tracks "Feed My Frankenstein" and "Schools Out". With Bob Ezrin taking the production reins, the album adopts a slick glossy feel, which at times over polishes the raw edges that many might expect from a genre defining act. Having said this, there are glimpses of grit and rebellion sufficient to please most of his following. With this recording Alice Cooper shows he can still write high octane rock but has moved to delivering it with the purr of a limousine rather than the growl of a dirt bike.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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