Originally published by L.S. Media. June 18th 2011.
It’s not many bands that can bring out two exceptional albums within the space a few short months, however Black Country Communion are not just any band.
Made up of one of the great guitarists of British Rock in the shape of Glenn Hughes, the much lauded and technically superb Joe Bonamassa, the son of the one of the legends of Rock, Jason Bonham and the appointed, by none other than Alice Cooper, Caligula of keyboards Derek Sherinian, Black Country Communion start album 2 the way they left off on the first offering, heavy, loaded with stand out tracks and just enough humility that will endear them forever to the public who buy the album.
In the 70’s and
80’s the term Super Group was a misused aphorism, with a couple of notable exceptions it seemed that any band that was thrown together with the idea of making one or two albums was given the moniker and for the most point it was never truly deserved, with each member fighting for their own piece of creative control. In the early part of 21st Century Black Country Communion should be regarded as one of the true, genuine inheritors of the term.
storms into the listeners heart, kicks it round the body, driving it mad with pleasure and finally leaves it panting, tired out and yet begging for more.
Produced by Kevin Shirley, who returns to top form and carries on the great work he did on the band’s debut album and with Mr. Big’s What If…, the album hones in perfectly on each member’s individuality and moulds them into a cohesive and productive unit that has come up with goods on such songs as The Battle for Hadrian’s Wall, the amazing Smokestack Woman and Save Me.
If the unthinkable happens and Black Country Communion never releases another album, it seems that the legacy this band will leave behind is assured within the Rock community for all time.
4 stars
Ian D. Hall