Review: Black Stone Cherry ‘Screamin’ At The Sky’
By Marc Dorian
Kentucky hard rockers Black Stone Cherry are back in action, and they’re bringing the thunder with their eighth studio album, ‘Screamin’ At The Sky,’ scheduled to drop on September 29 via Mascot Records. The band wastes no time tearing down the walls, delivering a sonic assault of aggressive guitar riffs, emotionally charged lyrics, and anthemic choruses.
Black Stone Cherry is Chris Robertson (lead vox/guitar), Ben Wells (guitar/backing vox), drummer John-Fred Young, and bassist Steve Jewell Jr., who joined the group in 2021 and is making his studio debut with this record.
‘Screamin’ At The Sky’ is the follow-up to their wildly successful 2020 studio release, ‘The Human Condition,’ which made a No. 1 debut on the UK Rock Albums chart and spawned the Top 15 single, ‘Again’ in the US. It also comes on the heels of 2022’s live DVD release, ‘Live From The Royal Albert Hall…Y’All.’
Since their inception in 2001, Black Stone Cherry has evolved from club performances to arena headliners, sharing stages with legends like Def Leppard, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company, Stone Temple Pilots, ZZ Top, Guns N’ Roses, and more recently, The Darkness.
Their latest offering is an explosive album that seamlessly weaves their trademark elements of hard rock, blues-rock, and metal. The credit for the metal infusion primarily goes to John-Fred Young, whose fierce drumming brings that metal edge to the forefront.
The band explains that they “Had a lot to say lyrically, musically, and sonically.” As for the sound, the album benefits from having its drums tracked at the historic 1934-built venue, The Plaza Theater in Glasgow, Kentucky. That venue lent its aura and acoustics, making those drum grooves hit like a freight train.
The self-produced, 12-song collection features all-new material written collaboratively while the band has been on tour. An expanded edition of the album features three additional tracks, one of which is a cover of the iconic Tina Turner song, “What’s Love Got To Do With It.” Originally meant to be included on the album anyway, the band decided to release it as a single in tribute to the legendary rock artist after her passing earlier this year.
The title track, “Screaming At The Sky,” storms in as the opener and sets the tone for the album with a massive intro, big guitars, and pounding drums. This one’s like a shot of adrenaline that could easily fit as a live-show opener.
The album’s lyrical themes are full of positivity, exemplified by the lead single “Out of Pocket.” Chris Robertson reflects on the song, explaining, “The song was what I personally, and I think a lot of us, felt over these very trying last couple of years. Facing your demons, knowing that you have to come out the other side stronger than before.” The hard rock groove packs a punch while the goods are delivered on a catchy chorus that raises the roof.
Similarly, “Smile, World,” the most recent single, carries a message of finding the positive side of life, backed by heavy guitar riffs and a groovy wah-wah effect that elevates the powerful chorus.
“Smile, World”
Another highlight is the album cut “Show Me What It Feels Like.” A melodic guitar riff goes hand in hand with Robertson’s vocals on the chorus. His emotional range shines through, and listeners can hear his sincerity in every note. Bringing balance to the album, the slightly mellower tracks “Here’s To The Hopeless” and “You Can Have It All” showcase dynamics, sparseness in the verses, soaring vocal hooks in the choruses, and some of the most melodic guitar solos on the album. The encouraging lyrics on the latter remind us that taking a leap of faith is often more rewarding than fearing the fall.
‘Screamin’ At The Sky’ highlights the band’s commitment to their continued evolution. Hard rock fans will want to crank up the volume and let Black Stone Cherry do what they do best!
Pre-order/stream the album HERE
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