Album Review: Black Stone Cherry - Screamin' At The Sky
Reviewed by Tim Finch
This September Black Stone Cherry emerges from the crucible of life's trials with their colossal eighth album, 'Screamin' At The Sky.' This 12-song opus, set for release on September 29th, not only represents a triumphant return but also marks a remarkable milestone in the band's illustrious career. Self-produced and recorded in the vintage confines of a Kentucky theatre, this album resonates with the raw power and emotional depth that has become synonymous with Black Stone Cherry.
As the dust settles from the tumultuous chapters of their lives, 'Screamin' At The Sky' finds the band navigating through darkness, channelling their pain into a sonic experience that promises light at the end of the tunnel. With their trademark burly riffs and stirring rock hooks, Black Stone Cherry has long been a beacon of Southern rock, and this album sees them raising the bar yet again.
The power of the album is evident from the off, with the title track from the album opening proceedings. A new rock anthem for the ages, it is three minutes of focused raw power that will get even the non-believers moving.
‘When The Pain Comes’ is one of many tracks on the album where the band have bared their soul over person trials and tragedies, and that emotion is channelled perfectly into a powerful number. In fact throughout the this albums construction the band have focused on personal trials and what shines through each and every track is that emotion. It’s a formidable listen and this added factor adds depth and strength to already rousing music.
Every track has a bombastic feel, which has to have been helped by tracking the record in the legendary 1020-seat Plaza Theater in Glasgow, Kentucky. It has something about it that you don’t hear on any other album, by any other band, an element that just makes the music sound HUGE!
‘Here’s To the Hopeless’ stands out as the ballad of the album, a softer sounding number but retaining that unique energy they have somehow crafted on every track. Full of passion and emotion, its an all-consuming number that whisks you away from your surroundings, fully immersing the listener in its story.
Without doubt, this is Black Stone Cherry at their peak, the album that will no doubt launch them to super stardom!
