Tenacious D has finally returned after six long years with the new album Rize of the Fenix. Jack Black and Kyle Gass rip through 13 smashing new tracks of rock and comedy bits. Once again, the band features the legendary drumming talents of Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters).
Jack Black’s vocals sound better than ever (damn that dude has got talent) on cuts like “Low Hangin’ Fruit” and “Deth Starr.” The title track is so badass that it is as if the D is the bastard love child of The Who and Slayer.
“The Ballad of Hollywood Jack and the Rage Kage” is an acoustic ditty that tells the story of Black’s abandonment of KG following the release of The Pick of Destiny. The Spanish sounding “Senorita” is a mind blowing cha-cha blitzkrieg.
“Throw Down” is one of the best songs on the album, it is hard rocking classic sounding D. One of the best moments of the disc occurs at the end of “They F*cked Our Asses” when the band brings in the METAL! The best 80’s montage track is “To Be The Best,” a major triumph, but unfortunately way too short.
“Rock is Dead” is a lightning fast blues feast reminiscent of “The Road” from the band’s self-titled debut. On the closer “39,” Black pays homage to American legendary singer-songwriters by offering his best concoction of Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen.
Rize of the Fenix is yet another crude, classic, and brilliant record from Tenacious D. The album is their most diverse yet and rivals their 2001 debut.
Track Listing:
1.”Rize of the Fenix” 5:52
2.”Low Hangin’ Fruit” 2:31
3.”Classical Teacher” (Skit)3:25
4.”Señorita” 3:07
5.”Deth Starr” 4:48
6.”Roadie” 3:00
7.”Flutes and Trombones” (Skit)1:32
8.”Ballad of Hollywood Jack and the Rage Kage” 5:05
9.”Throwdown” 2:56
10.”Rock Is Dead” 1:44
11.”They Fucked Our Asses” 1:10
12.”To Be the Best” 1:01
13.”39″ 5:17
Releases May 15 on Columbia Records