After a series of side projects and breakups threatened to torpedo one of the only living rock bands still touring with their original line-up 40 years after their first album, Aerosmith has returned, premiering new single “Legendary Child” live on last night’s “American Idol” finale. If it’s not exactly a scorcher, it’s a lot more potent than Aerosmith’s recent track record would suggest, marrying the rough-and-tumble melodic sense of their mid-90’s period with the droning harmonies of early hit “Sweet Emotion”.

It’s the opening salvo off of their comeback record, Music From Another Dimension, the band’s first studio record in ten years, depending on whether or not you count their dead-in-the-water 2004 blues record Honkin’ on Bobo. Frontman and “Idol” judge Steven Tyler has hinted at a return to the Bad Boys From Boston’s rockin’ roots, something longtime fans will certainly be clamoring for after 2001’s polarizing, pop-heavy Just Push Play and the fistful of one-offs recorded by the band since. But judge “Legendary Child” for yourselves – either way, it at least rewinds the Aerosmith clock to 1997, recalling rockier sorta-hits like Armageddon‘s less-syrupy soundtrack contribution “What Kind of Love Are You On” and Nine Lives‘ title track.

Music From Another Dimension hits stores on August 28th, and is available for pre-order on iTunes.

http://youtu.be/GoDk7nIVuHc