Audioslave Album: “Revelations [Japan Bonus Tracks]”

Out of Exile was a disappointment to me and I wondered if it would be the end of Audioslave. I was happily proved wrong yesterday with the release of Revelations. This album ROCKS HARD! Lots of hooks, catchy head bobbin' rhythms, good if not semi great lyrics, and at least 3 hit bound tracks make this a GREAT Audioslave record. They are sounding less and less like RATM with every release and that is a good and bad thing. I really liked RATM's sound, heavier and angrier than Audioslave. Revelations is less heavy and angry but cathcy and tuneful in a pop sort of way. More FM radio friendly if you will. They still have an edge thanks mostly to Tom's guitar chops. If you liked the 1st Audioslave record, you will dig this one as well.

Why can't I buy a disc with THE WHIP on it? Why, why, why? Peace Out!

I waited for some time before reviewing Audioslave's "Revelations", their third studio release. Immensely enjoying both their self-titled debut and the sophomore effort of "Out of Exile", I wasn't very concerned that Revelations would be enjoyed as well. Although at first it did not capture with the first few listens, it grew on me as their other albums did. Audioslave embodies a powerful and innovative rock formula that makes them more of a "rock" band than many others out there.

Revelations: My first perception of this album was that it didn't quite flow like the first two, and had more of a gathering of singles that were hit and miss. Over time, however, I realized that this album again delivers a good mix of superb guitar work coupled with good songwriting. The title track opener as well as the catchy "one and the same" are good openers that quickly lead the listener on a journey of various themes and artistic direction by the band. "Sound of a Gun" is a masterpiece and hopefully will be a staple for some greatest hits CD down the road. Soulful and poetic, Cornell's voice (which has been criticized on this album by many) is the best it's ever been here. "Until we fall" (track 4) is a beautiful, slower paced track that again implores a timeless feel to it and leaves out the powerful Morello riffs and pounding drums.

Track 5 Breaks into the FM hit "Original Fire" which is catchy and fast, laying down a good beat. Some great bass playing is experienced with this track. The next track, "Broken City" has a funky groove to it that definitely adds to the plate the fact these guys can add some diversity to an album. "Somedays" follows that and is more of an uplifting tune that has a groovy bass line that allows Cornell to belt out a signature, if sometimes repetitive line of "Somedays, it don't come easy". Track 8 is an awesome one with a heavy guitar intro that leads into a melodic chorus. This is one of the darker songs on the album, and is called "Shape of Things to Come". "Jewel of the summertime" is also heavier and darker and has some of the lead singers old band's sound (Soundgarden) in it. Great guitars on this song, so Morello fans won't be disappointed.

Track 10 is "Wide Awake" and correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe was on e of the songs featured on the recent "Miami Vice" film by Michael Mann (Mann also incorporated an Audioslave tune in the movie "Collateral"). Wide Awake is a driving anthem with many dark undertones and a lot of changeups in melody that again, really bring out the great vocals that are experienced on this album. Track 11 is "Nothing left to say but goodbye" and is another slower paced song that brings the tight songwriting of the album to the forefront. Nothing spectacular, but by now I've realized that anything these guys do is something I enjoy. Although I said it was a slower paced tune, it still retains their signature edge to it.

Speaking of Edge, they left the sharpest for last. The final track "Moth" starts off with a heavy, sonic assault of a riff before breaking into a little melancholy chorus by Cornell. This is soon followed by the meat of the song, which continues to follow on the Morello riff of rage. From the lyrics "I don't fly around your fire anymore" to the continual driving riff, the album to me ends on a very high note.

Audioslave makes great music. I was a big Soundgarden fan and though was not ever to big of a Rage Against the Machine fan, the collaboration of Singer Chris Cornell with the guys from Rage has been one of the most successful matchups within the rock music arena in a very long time. Great songwriting, hooks that catch you and overall musicianship that is to be appreciated, I only hope this band continues to release more material together. The rock music landscape changes every day, and many said rock itself was dead long ago. I feel the ingredients that Audioslave bring to the table is a sign there is still life in modern day rock music when it comes to keeping the filler out and the quality in.

This is another solid album from Audioslave. After a few spins I think this is actually better than their previous album 'Out Of Exile', which is Kind of ironic seeing as that album took 3 years and this album only took 1...

This album is definitely the funkiest album they have done, some real grooves going on, especially in 'Jewel Of the Summertime' and 'Broken City'. Some people have complained this album isn't heavy enough, and although their debut is heavier, this album is by no means a soft album. It's a surprising complaint to make because this album is heavier than 'Out of Exile' just not as fast. Some monster riffs can be found, most notably in 'Sound of A Gun' and 'Moth'...

...Aah yes; 'Moth', and what a track that is! 'Moth' is the standout track on this album, it is the 'Bring Em Back Alive' of their debut, the '#1 Zero' of 'Out Of Exile', it is something special. It has more emotional delivery in the vocals, epic guitars and a great structure. Interestingly enough it doesn't have a Morello solo, but I didn't even notice until the 5th or 6th time I listened to that track. Over favourites of mine are 'Jewel Of The Summertime' which is a really funky trip. When I first read the title I thought it would be another 'Dandelion', but it was a very nice surprise. I also love 'One And The Same' which combines Audioslave's heavy riffs and funkier sound to great effect. I think perhaps the title track would have made a better choice as first single, not that 'Original Fire' is a bad choice.

However this album also contains possibly the worst Audioslave song they have ever put out; 'Somedays'. An embarrassing song which gets old before you've even got to the end of it once. It sounds like something a big hair metal band of the 80's would do, oh well...

Overall the band seem tighter, the band are even providing backing vocals on several tracks, which works surprisingly well. The bass has more emphasis on this album, probably due to the fact that they wanted a funkier sound. It's another very well produced album despite Rick Rubin not being involved this time. I would have given this album 4 and a half stars, second place behind their debut with 5 stars, and 'Out Of Exile' 4 stars.

In an industry where these days albums are often taking 3, 4, 5 + years to come out, this is quite amazing considering it only took them 1 year to bring this out. Well done, it's much appreciated. I just hope you continue to make some of the best hard rock music out there. I hear Cornell may be doing another solo album next, let's hope and pray Audioslave will be back at some point in the future. Until then I won't fly around your fire anymore...

Wow, this is painful to do. First of all I don't write reviews, not my thing, generally speaking. But I feel it is important to write (or warn) when it has importance.

I have to first say that Rage Against the Machine is my all-time Favorite band and while this was very much due to their musical talent it was also greatly due to the amazing politics they brought into the mainstream and I miss them more than I can ever express.

Secondly, I am in my late thirties, born and raised in good old Seattle who was barely of drinking age when bands like Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Nirvana, Alice in Chains and many other greats were playing the clubs in Seattle before the big breakout of Nirvan's Nevermind. And while I love the great music of Seattle and those outise Seattle but of this era such as Jane's Addiction, Smashing Pumpkins and Sublime. I cannot deny the fact that Chris Cornell is arguably the best male rock SINGER of my generation, the man has a voice that is golden. I love the man as poet and musical talent, my favorite ALBUM from Seattle in the early 90's was BadMotorFinger, hands-down.

So how did I feel when these two forces collided? At first I was ecstatic to hear the rumors were true, then tentative to hear no politics but still ready and open-minded. I bought the debut greedily and listened to it many times recommending it to everyone I knew and met, great album! One of the best rock albums I have ever heard, musically speaking. I saw the boyz live at the Paramount and what a great show! Not as good as Rage live but still a show I will never forget.

I will admit I have bad feelings about TC destroying RAGE and about Audioslave being a mainstream rock band in almost EVERY sense of the word but their first album was still an amazing piece and put many of my concerns to rest. Then came their sophomore release (usually the killer, right?) but still a pretty good album. Easier to listen to, maybe even a bit more mainstream but a real showcase of talent for all concerned and I felt no need for concern or alarm.

Revelations? I really don't know what to say. I can't trash guys who I have such great respect for (except TC who I have not problems trashing) but needless to say I hope this album flops otherwise I am afraid that the rest of Audioslave's career will be about making mediocre mainstream rock that will soon be on par with Van Haggar. I know these guys are MUCH better than this album and there are some moments of dim-greatness but all this talk of FUNK influence is crap (and yes I know funk), the bottom line is that it is more watered down than ever before and I hope that they get back to their roots on the next one. I know we are all getting older but does that mean we are settling for mediocracy?

Bottom line; Audioslave is still better than most bands around today but this is not the Audioslave I was just starting to know and love. If you pick-up this album up, do so knowing you are getting a nice fat dose of Audioslave-lite. My recommendation is borrow it from you buddy and listen to it several times or just burn it. I hate to suggest taking money out of these guys pockets (especially Tom and Brad who I have tremendous respect for and I know use much of their money supporting progressive causes) but if people don't buy it maybe they will get the message and get back to what they do best, ROCK!

Tom, Brad, Chris I hope I do regret writing this someday and eventually hear something I am not hearing now after about 10 listens and REALLY WANTING TO LOVE IT. I gave it 3 stars because it is Audioslave, any other band would have rated lower.

SIDE NOTE: It has been over a year and I don't regret writing this review! If anything I was generous and kind to a group of musicians I greatly love and respect for all their amazing contributions. The band has long since disbanded, relatively speaking, and RAGE is back in full effect which is amazing...I hope they are working on a new album as we speak. Chris put out a decent solo album but aside from Soundgarden, Audioslave's Debut and his first solo album he is not the great producer of songs he has been all these years. The Robert Plant of my generation, the VOICE, I love your amazing pipes and hope you will put out some great music in the future as you deserve to prolong an amazing legacy and your fans are here for you brother! As far as "Revelations" is concerned I have not listened to it once since I wrote this review and really have no desire to.

I do regret one point and that is that while the strain between Zach and Tim was most likely the breaking point of RAGE these guys have been friends a long time and friends don't always see eye to eye and being in a band together can be a real strain on even the best of friendships. Timmy and Zack made their peace and realized a greater cause and came together so if I do regret anything in this review it was my harshness of TC. Rage on in struggle Zack, Tom, Tim and Brad!

Oh and If you haven't heard Tom made a solo album under the name "the Nightwatchman" that is 5 stars and awesome...more folk and definitely not reminiscent of RAGE or Audioslave but an great album for any lover of good music with politics in the mix. Tom plays acoustic guitar and sings very impressively, check it out!

SECOND UPDATE: Tom put out his second album under the amended name "Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman" and Chris put out another solo album with producer Timbaland (did I spell that right?). This is the guy who produces Justin Timberlake! It is musically pretty heavy on the electronics but really a great album and worth checking out. Tom's second solo album is quite good but I still like his first the best for the two, the new one is more polished and incorporates a band while the first is more one-man folk and is unpolished and truly impressive. Zack of Rage did an EP called "One Day as a Lion" with Jon Thoedore of Mars Volta fame that is pretty heavy, kind of Rage-like in it's sound and to some degree socially (5 awesome songs).

This album is great! No ballads fall "painfully Short" as the editorial review states! It is a funky rock album with so many great songs. Audioslave delivers meaningful lyrics, awesome guitars,and a driving percussion- the more you listen, the more you'll love. Too hard to pick favorites, but from the first song, revelations to the last song, Moth- you will enjoy this. Each Audioslave album has been different from the last- if you appreciate lyrics,and songs with meaning along with a great band to back them up -thats what you get! Buy this now!