AC/DC unveils ‘Rock or Bust,’ announces Malcolm Young’s departure

There are metal bands, punk bands, drone bands, boogie rock bands and sludge bands. And then there is AC/DC, the most enduring, primal and Scottish-Australian of them all.

The band that transcends all genres but ROCK-rock has announced its new album, “Rock or Bust,” and a 2015 tour to follow. The announcement portends a year filled with distorted buzz — and sporting events jamming a new anthem called “Play Ball.”

The news, however, is bittersweet, as the band also confirmed the retirement of one of its founding members, guitarist Malcolm Young, 61, who formed the band with his younger brother Angus in 1973. Malcolm said earlier this year that he would be taking a hiatus after confirming an unspecified illness.

According to a statement, however, he has quit: “Unfortunately, due to the nature of Malcolm’s condition, he will not be returning to the band.” In his place will be another member of the Young clan: Stevie Young, nephew of Angus and Malcolm, will play rhythm guitar.

“Rock or Bust” will arrive Dec. 2, the first studio album from the multiplatinum band since “Black Ice” came out exclusively through Wal-Mart in 2008. No word yet on a similar retail tie-in for “Rock or Bust.” (Maybe Victoria’s Secret?) In addition to the Youngs, the band features longtime growler Brian Johnson, drummer Phil Rudd and bassist Cliff Williams.

What will the record sound like? Will they tap the sound of EDM? Will Kanye West make an appearance, or will Lana Del Rey sing harmonies?

NO. This is AC/DC. It will sound like AC/DC. It was produced by platinum hitmaker Brendan O’Brien this spring at Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, Canada. Like the past few albums, Mike Fraser recorded and mixed it.

You will get a taste of the new work in association with, of course, a sporting event when “Play Ball” starts running on Saturday as Major League Baseball moves into its postseason. Until then, let’s go way, way back: Here’s “Ride On,” featuring the late Bon Scott on vocals.

Follow Randall Roberts on Twitter: @liledit