It’s finally happened, even though many said it wouldn’t, even couldn’t, happen. You may have felt it. It started out as a distant rumbling, or just a feeling of something in the air. You didn’t know what it was, but you knew it was big, that it was important. You couldn’t place the feeling inside you had, until you suddenly realised that it was excitement you were feeling. Then it happened. There were rumours of it, even heavy hints, but nothing official, until March 26^th, the day that official marked the return of the best band in the world ever, Tenacious D. The world wept tears of joy, and hopes of world peace were talked of. The D had returned, and all was well again.

Ok, mass hyperbole out of the way, let’s try and be semi serious here, which is hard to do when The D are the subject matter, as they are a frankly ridiculous band, but in the best possible way. The band were rightly hailed as utterly brilliant following the released of their debut album, the self titled Tenacious D. Songs like ‘Wonderboy’, ‘Fuck Her Gently’ and the instant classic ‘Tribute’ were massive hits, and are still considered shining lights in the echelons of rock history. The band decided to go one step further, and make the long talked about Tenacious D film, releasing an accompanying album. This is where it all went wrong. The film, The Pick Of Destiny, was lambasted as average as best, and the album of the same name suffered the same fate, despite featuring such luminaries as the late, great Dio, Meat Loaf and Dave Grohl. The band were written off as a lame comedy act, has beens, a novelty act who’s time had come and gone (at this point I have to add that I loved, indeed still love, both the film and album). All seemed lost…

Yet all was not lost. The D played some shows in the intervening time, always to a great reception, and were always in demand. And the minds and souls of the band’s fans waited for the return of their heroes, positive that they would return one day to reclaim their crown. And sure enough, they’ve done just that. The new album is ready, and will be released on May the 15^th, and will be titled Rize Of The Fenix, and the lead single of the same name is available on the band’s website to stream for free. And I can happily report that the song is a blistering return to form, featuring the great guitar work of Kyle Gass, the amazing vocal talents of Jack Black and immense comedy of the lyrics. The tune basically encapsulates what I’ve just written about in the last 446 or so words. Take the opening lyrics;

“When The Pick Of Destiny was released it was a bomb

and the critics said that the D was done

the sun had set and the chapter had closed, but one thing no one thought about was The D would rise again!

Just like the Phoenix!”

Of course The D are more amusing than I attempt to be, although so is a farting baby, but The D make is seem effortless, and unlike the baby do it without bursting into tears immediately afterwards. ‘Rize Of The Fenix’ is a great way for The D to announce their triumphant return. It rocks, using heavy guitars yet also the acoustic guitar style the band are famous for, and Dave Grohl reprises his role behind the drum kit. There’s even some great back and forth vocals from Black and Gass, ala ‘Beezleboss’ or ‘City Hall’, and the usual vocal histrionics from Black. There are times of great and fantastic immaturity in the lyrics, set off by the usual stunning musicianship. It’s a great track that would sit well on their first album, but for now is a great reintroduction to The D, and a big sign of things to come for their new album.

Tenacious D have returned, and we must hail them as our awesome overlords.

The single ‘Rize Of The Fenix’ is available to stream for FREE from the band’s website, and the album of the same name will released May the 15^th.

Stuart Manson

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