When Naked Nick Oliveri left them last year, it looked as if Queens of the Stone Age's reign as America's greatest rock outfit might be coming to an end. Instead, frontman Josh Homme has taken the opportunity to re-shape the band in his own image, introducing a slightly poppier element to the Queens's trademark bulldozer rock sound. There's also a few murky jams, with some spooky devil worship sound effects that could have come straight from the Blair Witch Project. Homme's girlfriend Brody Dalle and Garbage's Shirley Manson make guest appearances - and best of all, former member Mark Lanegan returns to take lead vocals on the powerful opening and closing tracks. Looks like the Queens are continuing full steam ahead – and God help anyone who gets in their way.

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