The formation of Audioslave from the ashes of Rage Against The Machine and the incomparable voice of Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell was never intended to mimic either of the two bands although, unsurprisingly, there are several reference points scattered all over the band’s first two albums. Their third instalment, Revelations, is no exception, although Audioslave seem to be losing a bit of bite with every record they put out. While fans of Morello’s gritty guitar may still pine for the anthemic slant of his previous band, it cannot be denied that the diluted sound has made it possible for the band to extend its appeal beyond the diehard element, attracting a broader following, not to mention a greater deal of airplay, with its FM rock imprint.

Crowning it all is Cornell’s particular voice which, shaped by his curious melodic twists, remains a big plus in Audioslave’s ongoing success. Of the 12 tracks on offer here, several, such as One and the Same, Sound of a Gun or the single, Original Fire, are based on a hard-edged rock vein, with enough flashes of Morello’s signature guitar style to keep the fans happy. Elsewhere, such as on the slower Until We Fall, Wide Awake or Nothing Left To Say But Goodbye, it is Cornell’s days of Superunknown splendour that come to mind. To the band’s credit, given the public’s expectations from any “super-group”, the new offering is as mighty a record as their magnificent 2002 debut – possibly less fierce but certainly just as angry!

Rating: 3.5

CD COURTESY OF EXOTIQUE