AIRBOURNE

"Airbourne" (EMI International; 2026)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Airbourne's sixth studio album, and also their second self-titled album, is a barnburner, the kind of explosive rock'n'roll that makes you remember why you fell in love with type of music in the first place. It's loaded with crushing, razor-sharp guitar, thundering drums, pummeling bass, and scorching vocals. Like Metal Mark said back in 2007, sure, at times they sound like countrymates AC/DC, and I hear a bit of W.A.S.P.'s Blackie Lawless in the vocals at times. But, mostly, "Airbourne" sounds likes its namesake. Airbourne. Airbourne's sound has developed over the years and, while they are still inspired by those who came before them, the first thing you'll think of when you hear an Airbourne tune, especially off this album, is "Hey, that's Airbourne."

"Airbourne" is full of fist-pumping anthems, with titles like "Gutsy," "Sky High," "Rock'n'Roll Ya" and "Hell's Got No Vacancy." And it never stops. There are no faux ballads here. Every one of the twelve tracks on this album are designed to do one thing: Rock your ass off. And they do. They pull you in with their shards of guitar sound, their jaunty rhythms and the perfect production; the album sounds great.

The one track that might surprise you here is "Christmas Bonus," a song that starts with jingle bells and the lyrics "Ho, ho, ho. Let's go." Yeah, I know, Christmas starts early here in America, at least. The department stores are already selling holiday decorations and wrapping paper. But a Christmas song on a heavy metal album that was released in September? Well, let's just say it fits and, when Christmas rolls around and you're sick to death of Mariah Carey and Wham!, you can always dig this out and revel in the only Christmas song I'm aware of that features the lyrics, "Yippie Ki-Yay, Motherfucker!"

There's no track here that I'd hit the SKIP button on, but my favorites are the driving "Alive After Death (Last Plane Out)," "Kid in a Candy Store" with its straight-forward delivery and clever lyrics and "Bogota" which sounds so raw it might have been recorded live.

Bottom line here is that Airbourne's been around for awhile (although perhaps not as long as those who inspired them) and, with these energy and creativity levels, they show no signs of going away.

For more information, check out http://www.airbournerock.com. 

"Runnin' Wild" (EMI International; 2007)

Reviewed by Metal Mark

The debut from Melbourne four piece Airbourne is initially going to have you stuck on one thought and that's the fact that they sound a whole lot like AC/DC, probably prime "Powerage" and "Highway to Hell" era. Hopefully, you can get past that fact and realize that still have a lot to offer. 

Sure, they sound like a very well established band, but a number of bands have sounded like AC/DC. What these guys bring is a lot of energy and a full throttle approach to the classic three chord rockers. There is very little fooling around and they launch right into most of their songs. They also don't overstay their welcome either as we get eleven tracks, but with a running time of just a little over 37 minutes. 

Still, the album is fun through and through with no duds. Tracks like "What's Eatin' You", "Diamond in the Rough" and "Let's Ride" are just a few of the instantly memorable tracks on this release. The only downside for North American fans is that, right now, it's only available as an import. That means it has a higher price tag, but it's worth it. 

"Runnin' Wild" is one of the steadiest rock albums I have heard so far this year.

For more information, check out http://www.airbournerock.com. 

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

Back to CD Reviews Home

Back to RoughEdge.com Home

Copyright © 2026 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.