Somewhere along the way, QOTSA's dried out sonic rock took a dark and sinister turn. Maybe it's the ever-revolving door of contributors. Maybe it's old age. This new record is really no exception. Josh Homme's off-center take on melody keeps the thing weird and somewhat unnerving from start to finish. However, not since 2002's Songs for the Deaf have QOTSA sounded so reliable and confident.

There are quite a few accessible, memorable songs on …Like Clockwork, their first for indie label Matador. "I Sat By The Ocean" has some mainstream potential, complete with slide guitar riffs and handclaps, and the lead single "My God Is The Sun" actually received some radio attention. "If I Had A Tail" bounces and snarls, with lyrics that only Josh could pull off. "Smooth Sailing" gets grunged-out funky in a Stone Temple Pilots sort of way. Make no mistake, though, QOTSA shows no signs of slowing or going soft. This one is as heavy as it's predecessors.

A unique part of …Like Clockwork is the impressive group of guests that are featured throughout. Dave Grohl rejoins on drums for a number of songs (departed drummer Joey Castillo plays on four) and new drummer Jon Theodore (Mars Volta!) plays on one. Trent Reznor lends his signature angst on "Kalopsia," and the ending bars of that tune are way cool. Sir Elton John makes a relatively benign cameo on "Fairweather Friends." Mark Lanegan, Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys), and even the perilous Nick Oliveri make appearances. This, coupled with diverse styles and solid sequencing make for an entertaining LP.

I've always been a big fan of Queens of the Stone Age, but I was a tad underwhelmed by their previous album Era Vulgaris, especially since Them Crooked Vultures was so good. I'm glad to see QOTSA back at the center of Josh's attention. Smooth sailing, indeed.