From metal heads to pop princesses, everyone's heard of them and everyone knows of at least one track that they love. And that's not because the trio have ever sold out or have schizoid style changes either, they are just, quite simply, THAT good.
It's a shame then that despite general consensus that they are one of the greatest crowd pleasers at festivals and live gigs and that they produce nostalgic classic after nostalgic classic, they've never really achieved the critical or even commercial success they deserve (having had only one number 1 with 2005's 'Dakota').
But is all that about to change with sixth album 'Pull the Pin'?
Here's hoping, because what Stereophonics have pulled out of the hat is another corker selection of tracks from bruising political rock to production company friendly ballads.
Searing intro 'Soldiers Make Good Targets' is a strutting, aggressive attack on modern day consumption that announces the Stereophonics return from their two year sabbatical in loud soaring style.
Veering from this high adrenaline start to mellow-to-the-point-of-mournful track 'Daisy Lane' would, for any other band, be jarring but Kelly's scuzzy vocals carry through seamlessly.
However, while current single 'It Means Nothing' also carries the gentle melodies that have become recognisable on successful Stereophonics releases, it's pioneering single 'Bank Holiday Monday' that proves to be the more interesting taste of 'Pull the Pin.'
The punk anthem is astounding in its energy and will surely become a favourite if and when it is finally allowed to stand on its own two feet.
But it's scuzzy, husky, sorrowful rock screamer 'Ladyluck' that is the runaway highlight of the album. Kelly Jones would have us believe the challenge of the melody almost made him give up but he makes it sound easy. If there's any hint of strain in his voice it only serves to add to the passion of the man's style.
It's much harder to pinpoint a weak point. 'Stone' is a little muddled but even saying that is really pulling hairs as it's still up there with the other tracks.
For an album that is so obviously attributable to one band (re: no major departures in tone or style), 'Pull the Pin' still sounds fresh and exciting.
There is something here for everyone, and while never making it quite into the realms of 'masterpiece' it's bound to feature on more than one critic's top ten of the year list come Christmas.

This album is available to buy now in Woolworths.