This week, Green Day and Soundgarden headline the rock scene with their latest releases.

Green Day, Dios!

Dios! is the second album in the band’s trio of releases planned for this year. Green Day explored pop punk on their first album, Uno! The latest effort finds them tackling garage rock, and according to front man Billie Joe Armstrong, it will resemble music from their side band, Foxboro Hot Tubs. The project creates a divide among listeners; fans will either love it or hate it. Not all of the songs are winners, but none are outright duds. It lingers in mediocrity, featuring a few highlights, but overall it’s impressive coming from a band that is stepping out of their comfort zone.

Soundgarden, King Animal

King Animal is the first studio album from Soundgarden in more than 16 years, and their sixth overall. They collaborated with Adam Kasper on the production. The LP picks up where the band left off. And honestly, it’s good to have them back. It’s dated, but only in a good way. The band created new music that, while reminiscent of their old work, isn’t drowning in nostalgia. They didn’t attempt to navigate through the new music soundscape. If there were any complaints, it would be that the band isn’t quite as gritty as last remembered. Give the album’s lead single, “Been Away Too Long,” a listen to get a feel for the record.
Also released this week is a compilation album from the Rolling Stones. GRRR! commemorates the band’s 50th anniversary and features two new songs: “Doom and Gloom” and “One More Shot.” The project will hit the shelves in three versions: a 50-track regular edition, a 50-track limited edition, featuring a hardcover book and five postcards; and an 80-track super deluxe edition.