Earmusic
Alice Cooper’s new album “The Revenge of Alice Cooper” sees the original band reunited for the first studio record since 1973’s “Muscle of Love”. Now all in their late 70s, bassist Dennis Dunaway, rhythm guitarist Michael Bruce and drummer Neil Smith have gotten together to create something new with Mr Cooper, a man who could easily rest on his laurels and accomplished discography. Will this new adventure tarnish his legacy?
“Black Mamba” opens the record with a sinister bass line and swagger before launching into classic Cooper theatrics. Robby Kreiger of The Doors guests on guitar. The fiery, fast paced rocker “Wild Ones” follows, then the Black Sabbath groove laced “Up All Night”. The grotesque “Kill the Flies” recalls “Steven” from 1975’s “Welcome to my Nightmare” and it’s hard not to smile when Cooper menacingly declares “I hate these flies!”. We are transported from the theatre to a Tarantino movie at the cinema with “One Night Stand”. Cooper’s vocals change to a low pitch and he takes on the role of narrator.
The epic six minute “Blood on the Sun” is one of the highlights of the album. It shifts direction halfway through and shows what an impressive drummer Neil Smith still is. The band’s interplay is at its peak here. Then we have another dynamic vocal shift with Cooper’s raw attitude on the bluntly titled, simple rocker “Crap That Gets In The Way Of Your Dreams”. The accessible “Famous Face” has a catchy, pounding heavy riff and borders on heavy metal. Then we hear yet another vocal shift from Cooper as he channels Joey Ramone of The Ramones on “Money Screams”. The jazzy, quirky “What a Syd” gives a nod to “Gutter Cat vs. The Jets” from 1972’s “School’s Out”. A bluesy harmonica introduces “Inter Galactic Vagabond Blues” but it’s the guitar that really burns and elevates the song.
A direct connection between the past and present comes with the punk number “What Happened To You”, which contains a guitar part from the late Glen Buxton (who died in 1997), sourced from an old demo, and it’s almost as if Jerry Lee Lewis is playing piano in the background. The rowdy Yardsbirds cover “I Ain’t Done Wrong” has a similar vibe to “Jailhouse Rock” and shows how dextrous the band still are after all these years. Next comes a ballad, “See You On The Other Side”, which recalls Cooper’s softer side on “From the Inside” and provides a satisfying conclusion to the record.
There are also a couple of bonus tracks including an alternative version of “Return of the Spiders” from 1970. Sixteen songs in total is a generous output from a man who has nothing left to prove, and his legacy remains untarnished. Although the record benefits from a more modern production than the band’s classic era, it hasn’t compromised the spirit (it’s co‑produced by Bob Ezrin). It’s a triumphant record full of variety and characters. Quintessential vintage ’70s shock‑rock Cooper with a modern edge.
5/6 | Anne-Marie Forker
Release date: 25 July 2025