From Bandcamp, “The Danish hard rock quartet BLACK OAK COUNTY releases their third album, taking them to new musical horizons, with a wide mix of thundering breakdowns, catchier choruses than ever before, a massive wall of pounding guitar riffs, and a heartfelt piano ballad. On “III,” have dug deep into their pile of musical ideas, in order to come up with a wider range of songs than ever, incorporating brand new ideas with older material from the early days of their career. “III” is an energetic record, with the band’s well-known mixture of high-intensity low-tuned riffs paying homage to their metal and hard rock heroes, mixed with modern mixing techniques, synthesizers and a fresh take on the band’s familiar sound.”

Hard Rock is a genre that has been around forever it seems. No one really knows where it started, but it flourished in the 70’s and 80’s and beyond, and no matter how many trends came and went in music, it is the one constant throughout the decades. Therein lies the issue however, or the proverbial double-edged sword. Because there are so many bands in this genre, perhaps more so than any other genre of music besides perhaps Pop, bands have to work much harder in order to create something fresh and new, and different than their musical peers. No one is asking anyone to recreate the wheel, but I need to hear some fresh hooks. Let’s get to the highlights on this 12-track album and see how the band stacks up.

“Crossed the Line” has a weighted riff that borders on Metal at times, if it wasn’t for the relatively straightforward vocal delivery, and, of course, the harmonies in the chorus. It’s catchy and infectious. “Save Your Breath” is another song with a firm handshake as well as a groove, and it’s the kind of song you can nod your head or tap your foot along to. “No More” also delivers a weighted riff and catchy vocals, as well as a firey guitar solo that stays on a blues chord. “Timeborn” has a crunchy riff that would saw roughly right through wood, and spit shards into the air behind it, and plenty of pig squeals. “Broken Window” is the piano ballad that the band was referring to, and it’s sentimental, and catchy.

This album doesn’t attempt to recreate the wheel, but what it does is present a genuine and honest energy from a group of rockers who take no prisoners. I can also hear how well the music would translate to a live audience. 12 songs was just a little too much in terms of overstaying its welcome, but it was a good listen.