9/10

After they released their previous album 'Like Clockwork' in 2013, it felt like Queens Of The Stone Age were hanging up their power rocking days. While it was still a great record, it had this tone of retirement about it, moving more into the realm of laid-back grooves more and more than before. But that feeling is long gone as they return with their seventh full-length 'Villians', an album that literally oozes great riffs from start to finish.

When you first switch on to 'Villians', you know you are in for a great time from the very start. Opener 'Feet Don't Fail Me' starts with an ominous soundscape which ever so slowly merges together to bring out what is possible the greatest riff the band have ever managed. From there, it is nothing but fun and frolicking. 'The Way You Used To Do' shows off their irreverent and loveable side, while 'Fortress' serenades us with its soft yet ear-peeking licks to give their most well-rounded release in years.

Many will say that the best days of Queens Of The Stone Age are now behind them, but this record is truly something else to admire in their catalogue. With ambition and intent, the band have reenergised themselves and delivered one of the most likeable albums of the year.