Eleven tracks, zero surprises. And whilst the more post-modern among us might find that to be a rather damning statistic, I can guarantee that the vast majority of Airforce‘s ever-growing squadron of accolytes – or Erks, as I like to call them – will be dancing in the aisles at this piece of news.

Y’see, innovation isn’t really at the heart of what makes Airforce so appealing to so many; Even when they produce easily the best thing they’ve ever committed to vinyl – the lustrous Heroes – the pulse is set racing by the fact that the track is actually a glorious mashup of Gary Moore, Thin Lizzy and Black Sabbath rather than for any innovative new takes on the HM template it might offer.

Similarly, the spirited instrumental Obliterated harks back to the glory days of Maiden‘s mid-eighties albums, whilst the band also resurrect one of their own old chestnuts, Sniper, for another airing. The future? you can keep it, son…

Now that Portuguse throat Flavio Lino is fully integrated into the band, you can hear that they’ve really hit their stride writing material with his formidable pipes in mind; Hacksw Ridge (Okinawa) in particular highlights his muscular tonsils to good effect, coming off as a confident tour de force powered by some nice drumming from Doug Samson who combines well with bassist Tony Hatton throughout, Samson even throwing in a few cheeky fills that might accurately be described as ‘McBrainesque‘ in places…

And what of Chop Pitman, Airforce’s erstwhile Wing Commander and longtime guiding light? Well, despite the fact he’s never been the most demonstrative lead player it has to be said he really shines on this album’s best moments (in particular the band’s splendid look at Iron Maiden’s Strange World), playing with a sureness of touch and confidence that is as welcome as it is a little surprising. A late bloomer, you might say…

All in all then, a pretty impressive return from a band that has been consigned to the shadows for too long.

Acts of Madness releases on February 21st.