Snakes and Arrows: Rush (Atlantic).

Rush have been around since the mid 1970s and have a legion of loyal fans. If they never produced another record, they would still have a lasting place in rock history.

The Canadian threesome has been prolific over the years but it's been five years since their last album of new material. Snakes and Arrows, released on April 30, has turned out to be one of their most commercially successful sets for years.

Vocalist/bassist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer/lyricist Neil Peart are all excellent musicians and you can just tell that when they get together in the studio they gel with the conviction of a shared vision.

Snakes and Arrows features lots of heavy, driving rock rhythms and anthemic songs. although Lifeson does mix things up a little with some intricate acoustic guitar.

You might argue that there is a sameness' to some of the tracks but Rush do what they do and they do it well.

Far Cry gets the album off to a storming start, Workin' Them Angels has a plaintive feel that Rush do particularly well, while Malignant Narcissism, one of three instrumentals, highlights just how good a sound the group can make.

The band visits the United Kingdom later this year. I plan to see them in Manchester and, on the basis of Snakes and Arrows, it promises to be a night to remember.