Afterglow

Black Country Communion

One of the most prolific quartet of this century is back with their fourth release […]
By YngwieViking
October 25, 2012
Black Country Communion - Afterglow album cover

One of the most prolific quartet of this century is back with their fourth release in a little more than 2 years. Quite amazing isn't it? Beside their abilities to shut the mouth of the grumpy ones who have predicted a doom future for this super band, they also prove with some sheer class, to the doubters, the incredulous & skeptical world, that they weren't a "one-shot all-star project" and by recording this once again, soon becoming a classic album increased in quality, each time improving, utterly spectacular and finally some of the most solid collection of songs in this genre. They established themselves as a real band.

One of the undeniable strength of this bunch of extraordinary gentlemen is that they explode the styles-division between "pigeon holed Rock genres". They succeeded in federated those old and new Rock listeners in one of the most highly-loyal and spontaneous fan-base. BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION is indeed riding on a fast and unflappable strong wind with as a result an constantly unconcerned flow of creativity. The full classic Rock spectrum is used from 70s Rhythm & Blues to pure Hard Rock. Their sound is even more organic but still coherent, no fillers, no endless jam sessions here (except in the middle of the track "Common Man") but only very well crafted songs with rich melodies / catchy choruses. Several uplifted elements are a little more present like: often acoustic moments and also a more & more prominent Hammond organ.

The efficient-working-team is exactly the same as previous album with Kevin "Caveman" Shirley (DREAM THEATER / IRON MAIDEN / JOURNEY / EUROPE) on the producer throne, just beside keyboard-player Derek Sherinian (ALICE COOPER / DREAM THEATER / PLANET X) & skin-basher Jason Bonham (UFO / FOREIGNER), one of the most in vogue Blues Rock guitar-hero & rising star Mr. Joe Bonamassa (who also share an outstanding vocal duet on "Cry Freedom").But most of all, the legendary Glenn "The Voice Of Rock" Hughes (DEEP PURPLE / BLACK SABBATH / TRAPEZE) who once again, not only sings like a mighty God and shining once more by alternating Angelic voice, scratchy shout or quite aggressive roar, like on the heaviest "Crawl" or "Midnight Sun", in addition he played some meticulously-carved and groovy-bass lines plus Hughes also composed the full album by himself.. Damn this guy is unbelievable and tireless...Good for us...God bless him.

8 / 10

Excellent

"Afterglow" Track-listing:

1. Afterglow
2. Crawl
3. This Is Your Time
4. Big Train
5. The Circle
6. Midnight Sun
7. Dandelion
8. Confessor
9. The Giver
10. Common Man
11. Cry Freedom

Black Country Communion Lineup:

Derek Sherinian -Keyboards
Joe Bonamassa - Lead Guitar / Vocals
Glenn Hughes - Lead Vocals / Bass
Jason Bonham - Drums

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