Hard rock has a new face

The debut album from the gurus of mainstream hard rock makes its purpose clear: It hits hard, as hard as anything from the extensive catalogues of members Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters), Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), and John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin).

Homme takes charge in this record with his murder-mystery vocal style and vigorous lead guitar, emerging especially on heavier songs like the gripping “New Fang,” which feels like being punched in the stomach repeatedly.

The other notable highlight is Grohl’s lively drumming, a long-awaited return to his natural element where many have not seen him since the 1990s behind Kurt Cobain.

TCV is a tad lengthy for its limited sound at 66 minutes, but it does succeed in creatively merging the quintessential sounds of hard rock from the ones who know them best.