Queens of the Stone Age are the best rock band in the world today, aren't they? Well, besides being the only band who could (however briefly) tempt Dave Grohl away from Foo Fighters, and being one of the few who could unashamedly rock Glastonbury without getting pelted by bits of Stonehenge, they have under their belt one of the best rock albums of the 21st Century. But then again, all good reigns have to come to an end at some point and, with the expectations so ludicrously high, can they hope to retain the position as rock royalty for much longer?
   
 

  On this evidence I'd say so. This is definitely the equal of Rated R, with songs like No One Knows and Another Love Song already classics which have, seemingly, been around for ages. But it somehow manages to be more than even that; QOTSA are famous for their collaborations, but with three vocalists it gives even more scope for variety within their established sound. From Homme's haunting melodies (The Sky Is Fallin') and Oliveri's banshee scream (You Think I Ain't Worth A Dollar...) to Screaming Trees' Mark Lanegan subliminal suggestions of impending danger and darkness (Hanging Tree).  And
with Grohl's drumming making perfection out of often complex sequences (eg.  A Song For The Dead), the result is staggering and unique. Organs and pianos all add to the effect and, though it won't blow you away in a torrent of palpitation inducing power chords, it is subtle and dark, paranoia-inducing and gut-wrenching.
   They are the masters of mystique and, once again, have produced a haunting yet essential album. This is a must-buy.

9/10

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