It’s been almost eight years since we’ve seen a solo album from former Screaming Trees frontman Mark Lanegan – which is not to say that he’s been quiet. Since 2004’s fantastic (deceptively named) Bubblegum, Lanegan has been involved in a host of projects, including three acclaimed albums with Belle & Sebastian’s Isobel Campbell, a frankly awesome stint with Queens of the Stone Age and making up one half of the Gutter Twins with the Afghan Whigs’ Greg Dulli. Many of these illustrious former cohorts pop up to return the favour on the welcome return to form that is the blistering Blues Funeral. The epic opener Gravedigger’s Song sets the scene for a record drenched with the Lanegan trademarks: the whiskey-soaked voice, lyrics that generate an air of looming menace, etc. Fans will not be disappointed.

Declan Murphy is from Readings St Kilda