Frustratingly, fillers between giants render this album good, but nothing spectacular.

After five long years, Dave "Space Lord Motherfucker" Wyndorf and his merry mutants return with a brand-new studio opus. So, it's very much acid-drenched Space Rock as usual, right? Er... no. Actually. with album number eleven it's a sort of "all change" scenario, and I think it might be a divisive offering too.

While there are certainly still strains of their old identity, this is a more a classic/retro American Rock album, heavily influenced by the likes of MC5, Grand Funk Railroad, The Stooges, Mountain, even early KISS, et al. It's very raw, much "drier" than what's gone before – almost in a Rick Rubin produced way, which may put some people off. It's very "analogue" and "earthy" in sound and feel too.

The first track that really caught my attention is 'Ejection', the Bob Calvert/Hawkwind anthem; sad to say that it's one of the standout tracks here, and right there is the problem. I absolutely wanted to love this album, but I have to say that alongside '4 Way Diablo', it's one of their most disappointing releases to date. Where is the firepower and the freakery? The album name is the only outrageous thing about it!

Let me explain. It's solid, yet where it should rage, it simply stomps along comfortably... and since when have Monster Magnet ever been comfortable? If you like solid, safe American Rock with a proto-Punk tinge, the sort of stuff that won't aurally offend anyone, here it is.

'Rocket Freak' kicks off the album in raucous Stooges style, hinting at treasures to come, but sadly the title track is a lumpen KISS outtake that is dull by MM's usual high standards. 'I'm God' hints at past greatness, whilst 'Drowning' is a huge, massively redeeming number, finally seeing the band take flight in majestic form. Album closer 'When The Hammer Comes Down' is another inspired number, being vintage Wyndorf/Monster Magnet and ending the album in style!

Frustratingly, fillers between giants render this album good, but nothing spectacular. Ground Control? This is Major Tom – can I have my acid back?

Chris O'Connor