Brace yourselves. After four long years, hip hop legends Cypress Hill are back with a brand new release. Their tenth studio album, Back in Black has just dropped, and feels like a wondrous trip back in time. The band have created a stunning release that clings firmly to their roots, and that peppy, in-your-face, relentless sound that made us all fall in love with them back in 1991.

After recent albums have experimented with other sounds, including Deadpool would be proud dubstep, they seem to have settled neatly into a groove that feels both comfortable and fresh. It's rare a band can find this cosy little niche and pull it off so well, but Cypress Hill have made it look easy.

Their latest offering seizes our attention with driving bass lines, toe tapping beats, and head banging anthems. The lyrics are what we have come to expect and adore from these guys, of course weed is in there, a lot. But they have well and truly moved with the times, their words matching the strange political climate around marijuana in the USA, where partial legality is causing confusion and frustration everywhere.

Cypress Hill continue to champion for full legalisation of cannabis, their tracks a bold statement in the face of a confusing climate, and lawmakers that still seem to fear real change. Unapologetic as ever, they don't hold back, wanting us to join in their campaign.

In many ways, this album seems to punch harder than their previous work. Black Milk has taken over as producer, making this one feel more like a collaboration given DJ Muggs has been serving as producer as well as band member for 30 years. The shift seems to make the beats and vocals really stand out more, driving home their politically-fuelled messages and well and truly making their point.

Despite the sometimes almost glum and angry material, the entire release still feels like a celebration. The catchy riffs and lyrics you can't help singing along to make you feel like you are invited to the party, and everyone is having a great time. 

Don't miss this one!

Author: Harley Houghton

Harley Houghton is a writer and blogger, based in Melbourne, Australia. Her passions include music, especially metal, gaming and comics. Check out her blog www.harleysmadhouse.com and follow her on Twitter.