The term ‘supergroup’ is often liberally used and many times a buildup that only leads to disappointment. A sad reality, many musicians may be well-known and super talented individually, but sometimes the chemistry just is not there when they come together with others. However, there are some cases where the pieces fit, and that is when the title of supergroup exceeds expectations…. like with Black Country Communion.
A band which took shape fifteen years ago, back in 2009, it all came together when good friends, Glenn Hughes and Joe Bonamassa, decided to join forces. Each individually very successful – Hughes as a past member of Deep Purple, among others; and Bonamassa as an award-winning Rock guitarist – soon they called on Drummer Jason Bonham (well-known for his work in Bonham; as well as with Sammy Hagar’s band), along with Keyboardist Derek Sherinian (who has performed with a list of acts; including his intricate role apart of Dream Theater between 1995 and 1999). Heavy hitting names, joining them on the production end was legendary Rock Producer Kevin Shirley; known for his work with everyone from Iron Maiden to Rush.
Simply pouring over with talent, the intangible aspect of Black Country Communion are their songs. Really a factor that makes or breaks any band, supergroup or not, the songwriting of Black Country Communion is solid, while their sound unify Hard Rock and Blues into something that is quite energized. Catching attention relatively quickly with their 2010 self-titled debut album, what followed was back-to-back studio albums, first with 2011’s Black Country Communion 2, followed by 2012’s Afterglow. Going full force out of the gate, sadly, the band was all but dissolved by 2013 due to some internal conflicts.
What many had thought to be the end of a rapid, yet productive initial run, news came down in 2016 that the guys were reuniting, and out of it came 2017’s BCCIV. So, what have Black Country Communion been up to in the seven long years since? Well, let us start by saying that the chaos of COVID-19 lockdowns clearly created obstacles for a couple of years, and thus stalled any writing/recording sessions. This taken into consideration, what is technically seven years without new Black Country Communion music, taking the circumstances into consideration, is more like four. Anyway, fortunately they did not let these issues set them off course, because now in 2024 they are excited to release their fifth overall studio album.
Amply titled V, and set for release on June 14th through Mascot Label Group, the anticipation for Black Country Communion’s return has not been without intrigue; because in March they dropped the album’s lead single, “Stay Free.” A feel-good classic rocker, then at the start of April they put out the thick guitar laden “Red Sun,” before the must-listen “Enlighten” dropped in May. Offering three of the ten new songs that they cooked up in their most recent writing sessions, what follows on V is a list of some very memorable songs. Dipping and diving in and out of moods, there are more straight up Blues Rock, like “Restless,” but there are also some really fantastic hard rocking ones too, such as “Letting Go,” “Skyway,” plus “You’re Not Alone.”
Wherever V might go, it is safe to say this album has a rich groove and Classic Rock soul. Certainly, having a throwback sound, it also has enough modern flair that hold up Black Country Communion as one of the best on the current Hard Rock scene. Hughes’ voice is as passionate as ever, while Bonamassa’s guitar work is on point and potent. Matching this with some great drumming of Boham and distinctive added atmosphere of Sherinian’s keys, simply put, you have a band of players who know how it works. A great return that is bound to please fans of no-frills heavy Rock-n-Roll music, Cryptic Rock gives 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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