Eminem has topped the US Billboard album chart with his first new studio effort in five years, 'Relapse'.

The album, which is currently number one in the UK, sold 608,000 copies in its opening week.

'Relapse' is the biggest selling album in the US since AC/DC's 'Black Ice' came out last October, according to Billboard.

Eminem's last studio record 'Encore' sold 711,000 copies in its opening week, but benefited from an extended sales period after it leaked online.

Last week's number one '21st Century Breakdown' by Green Day fell to number two, while a new greatest hits compilation from Chesney Hawkes was a new entry at number three.

As previously reported, Eminem marked 'Relapse's' release last week with a free show in Detroit.

The 30-minute gig was the rapper's first live performance since he cancelled his 2005 European tour in order to attend rehab.

(by Jason Gregory)