The big comeback for 'Alice Cooper', his last release being 'The Last Temptation' in 94' and although musically this is dark, industrial and grungy, the sound is still distinctly 'Alice'. While the approach is a little thick for my personal tastes, the song writing is brilliant, as he digs deep to bring forth tales of his favourite subjects, lust, loathing, oppression and depravity. Vocally 'Alice' is on good form and is well supported, although I'm not too familiar with the lineup, with the exception of 'Eric Singer' formally of 'Kiss', they turn in credible performances.

First up is the gloomy title track and initially it starts off a bit indifferently, but what makes it for me is 'Natalie Delaney's' voice which give this number another dimension, her opposing vocals add a great contrast. Following on is the superbly penned, hard hitting, tongue in cheek 'Wicked Young Man', the lyrics are very close to the knuckle and are supported by a menacing rhythmic plod and 'Alice' in good form. The tempo is lifted for my pick of the disc the impressive 'Sanctuary', the swiftest track present and a gem complete with brisk choruses and darker punishing verses. The pace is dropped again for the gloomy 'Blow me a Kiss' a song full of malice both musically and lyrically, well written if not a tad melancholy. 'Eat some More' is an excellently penned tale of greed, the fantastic lyrics are supported by a thick, brooding, menacing backdrop and while this is a shrewd track, it's too dark and laboured for my tastes, others more used to this sound will thoroughly enjoy it though. Next up is 'Pick up the Bones' a hard hitting track that deals with the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust, again the lyrics are quite superb as well as thought provoking, musically its dark and sinister, another poignant track, but unfortunately this is just too depressing for a regular listen. 'Pessi-mystic' follows on a slightly lighter note, not up to the penmanship of most tracks and despite a solid guitar solo, one of the weaker tracks. Better is the more upbeat 'Gimme' with it's relentless driving chorus, gutsy riff work and 'Alice Cooper' sounding his enigmatic best. Continuing in hearty fashion is the fast rocker 'It's the Little Things', the rhythm work is swift and energetic while the riff change for the chorus is very effective, the instrumental break is also a solid piece of work. The tempo is dropped for the traditional 'Alice Cooper' sounding ballad 'Take it Like a Woman' and while it's a decent effort it does come across as a reworking of earlier material. Lastly we are gifted the punishing 'Cold Machines', another nasty downhearted piece, modern in approach and could be by 'Marylin Manson' or any other similar Alternative Metal act.

I could give this release a higher rating, as it's a fabulously penned album, but some parts are just too intense and ominous for me to give 'Brutal Planet' a regular listen. Those who like the more darker, grungy sound should think this a cracking disc.