“Black Ice,” AC/DC’s 16th studio album, is both a triumphant return to form and more proof that AC/DC is the most consistent band in history. They have been touted as fathers of heavy metal, punk rock, blues and straight up rock and roll and have managed to handle all of these labels with a suitable amount of swagger.

Many of the tracks are typical AC/DC. The single, “Rock ’N’ Roll Train,” would fit in perfectly with their earlier work, with its solid hard-rock riffs and sing-along chorus. The band has always written catchy rock songs that combine metal and pop elements, and “Black Ice” is no exception. The themes remain the same: sample track names include “Rock ’N’ Roll Train,” “She Likes Rock ’N’ Roll,” and “Rock ’N’ Roll Dream.” While these tracks don’t necessarily have the same immediate arena-rock quality of their earlier work, with more familiarity they could definitely become anthems.

The band does take some leeway with genres throughout the course of the album. AC/DC is one of the few bands that can get away with mixing influences. There’s a major blues influence on many of the intros like “Decibel” and “Wheels,” a track which should be on every road trip mix within the next few weeks. The slide guitar on “Stormy May Day” is the finest since the passing of Duane Allman.

All else equal, AC/DC is one of the greatest bands of our time and it’s great to see them actively writing and performing their trademark brand of rock and roll to this day.

AC/DC will be performing in St. Louis on January 13 at the Scottrade Center.