(Warner)

It looks like arrogance to call a record Album Of The Year. Or is it provocation? Confidence? In fact it turns out that it might just be the truth; Faith No More's latest album will at the very least be a strong contender for the title.

After exploring various styles and possibilities with the excellent 1995 release King For A Day, Fool For A Lifetime, this new album shows Faith No More in more focused shape, concentrating and improving on their strong points. One of them is their ability to mix melodic tunes with their usually hard sound, showcased in the ultimate power rock ballad "Ashes To Ashes". Equally impressive is how they manage to produce loud and aggressive tracks without ever making them sound like senseless noise. Even tough tracks like "Collision" and "Got That Feeling" have interesting sound textures that make them appealing also to listeners who would normally prefer a softer style. This can partly be attributed to producer Roli Mosimann, who achieved the same with the Young Gods 12 years ago. Also worth noting is the excellent sound; unlike many other rock albums, this is a pleasure to be listened to on a good stereo, with the volume turned up.

Album Of The Year confirms Faith No More as one of the essential rock bands of this decade, it is a must for any fan of the genre. And for those who are normally not that much into hard sound, but like to pick out the pearls of each style, it is an excellent investment.