7/10

While there was never any doubt of the impact they made during their early peak in the 90s and 00s, Garbage seemed to take a back seat after their first batch of albums, allowing other groups to continue the mantel they had so impressively built. But around a decade ago, they decided to break their near seven-year hiatus to return to the scene and continue where they left off. Now very much working on the circuit once again, these alt-rock stalwarts are looking to add some much needed vigour to the wider arena with their seventh studio album 'No Gods No Masters', a record that doubles down on the direction they first established nearly thirty years ago.

Usually when a band that has been around as long as Garbage continues this late into their career, you can usually expect plenty of ear service for die-hard fans and platitudes to their former selves scattered throughout. But in the case of 'No Gods No Masters', it is clear that the venomous intention they have always produced is still pulsing through their veins. Singer Shirley Manson still maintains a firm and solid grip on the band's aesthetic, guiding this bold and blistering array of tracks through its 46-minute runtime and letting us know she is still just as passionate about her work as she was when she first started.

It is quite comforting to hear Garbage still able to create such a competent release after all these years. While there isn't much in the way of radio-friendly hits here, its raw and driven sound is all the convincing you'll need to give this one a go, and enjoy the blistering energy that this new collection unwraps in spades.