Eight long years have passed since legendary rockers AC/DC released Stiff Upper Lip. Fortunately, that hibernation is nearly over. The band is preparing to release their 15th studio album, Black Ice, on October 20 — unfortunately, exclusively through Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club — as well as through www.acdcrocks.com. Eight days later, AC/DC embarks on an 18-month world tour promoting it. The massive show rolls through Dallas at the American Airlines Center on January 23, 2009.

D/FW tickets go on sale October 11, and fans better pounce quickly, since 18 of the first 26 shows of the Black Ice World Tour sold out in record time. Chicago sold out in minutes, forcing the addition of a second show, which sold out the same weekend. Both Madison Square Garden shows sold out in mere minutes, and San Antonio fans purchased more tickets in one day than for any other artist in the market’s history. Tickets are available exclusively through Ticketmaster and www.acdc.com.

The album’s first single, “Rock ‘N’ Roll Train,” finds Brian Johnson (vocals), Angus and Malcolm Young (guitars), Cliff Williams (bass) and Phil Rudd (drums) in rare form. The vibe is reminiscent of the Back In Black-era, hinting towards “Your Shook Me All Night Long.” The song features the great riffs, sharp lead and classic background vocals that fans have come to expect — a sound that’s been missing for some time. The single has caused such a buzz that CBS even featured it in a commercial for popular television show Criminal Minds.
Musically, the second release, “War Machine,” resembles Bon Scott-era AC/DC with a heavy dose of bass and drums and short guitar chord bursts. Johnson’s vocals sound clean and sharp and the background chant of “War” during the chorus fits perfectly. Visit the band’s website to check out both new tracks as well as the video for “Rock ‘N’ Roll Train.”

In celebration of the new record, both Sirius Satellite and XM Radio have launched all-AC/DC channels, with 24/7 music from the band’s massive catalog, cuts from Black Ice and interview snippets, giving personal insights into the band’s 30-year history. Go to channel 29 on Sirius or 53 on XM to get your fix from September 15 to January 15, 2009.

As a primer for both new and old fans, the DVD No Bull: The Director’s Cut can be ordered from AC/DC’s website. The concert was filmed on July 10, 1996, at Madrid’s Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas during the Ballbreaker Tour. The DVD has 20 songs, including “Girl’s Got Rhythm,” “Whole Lotta Rosie” and “Highway To Hell,” and features over two hours of music as well as bonus “Angus-Cam” songs. Several bundle packages are available online that include Black Ice or a No Bull shirt and hat.

Fans are also able to pre-order Black Ice on the site, which automatically registers them to win tickets to a special pre-tour “Secret Show.” According to the site, 250 winners will be notified on October 10. Again, there are several packages — three different covers, limited edition hardcover, a 30-page expanded booklet and more shirts and hat bundles.

Believe the hype, because that classic AC/DC sound is back. Angus and his cohorts are primed and ready to kick the music world’s collective ass again, and everyone seems to be eagerly waiting with horns up.