What Age of Reason do particularly well is bring a fresh approach to this style of music, with deft changes in tempo and arrangement, and above else, some cracking guitar work, which sets it all off very well. The vocals are a little different, not the best in the world but not the worst either, but the music is always tight and well-crafted - and occasionally exceptional.

Opening song "Public Property" sets the tone with powerful, ominous drums and guitar and a thumping, almost apocalyptic sound.

This mood is accentuated further with "Killing Time" with its grungy guitar sound and pounding drum work. But again this is more Soundgarden than Nirvana - it's heavy and ominous but in a controlled, intelligent way. It would be unfair to compare the vocalist with Chris Cornell in a way as Mr Cornell was and is an exceptional singer - but in places he's not far off the mark, which is saying something.

"Seven Kings" is a slower, brooding track which almost has a shoegazey feel to it - and which shows that the band are nothing if not adaptable with their sound. Other highlights of the album include "Revolting Beast", a melodic powerhouse of a song, which grooves like few other songs can manage.

In short, this is a surprisingly original (I say 'surprising' as so little is original at all these days) piece of work from a band who work hard at their craft and experiment with a number of influences - yet who still manage to maintain a cohesive sound - and who I think will improve even further as they go on.