Black Stone Cherry is a four piece band from the small town Edmonton, south-central Kentucky. They actually live in a dry county where alcohol is prohibited. On the other hand this part of the US is known for its music. Black Stone Cherry modernize classic rock and create a new refreshing sound for the modern audience. The young guys from Black Stone Cherry clearly didn’t had much to do and music was their escape. In 2007 they present us with their Roadrunner Record debut self-titled album containing 13 modern rock & roll tracks.

When I heard their first single/video at a presentation in June 2006 these guys simply blew me away. The song ‘Lonely Train’ must have been one of the most impressive song I had heard and seen in a very long time. The song is about the effect on families when a soldier is leaving for war. The simplicity these guys use in their music is extremely addictive and effective. Their fluid musicality recalls Led Zeppelin, their sound is as earthy as Soundgarden and as heavy as AC/DC. But still they have created their own modern sound.

From their first monstrous single on to the rest of their album. The dirty, rough and own style continues on the album. ‘Rain Wizard’ is about a mysterious wiseman that could bring about rain at a time of drought and famine, he is a local legend. To be honest you cannot expect a band this young, with ages between 20 and 23, to create music of this quality. For me ‘Lonely Train’ is the definite number one, with the rest of the album on second place.

High quality rock & roll songs is what Black Stone Cherry is delivering. If you are open for some new rock & roll this is one album you have to check out. The band will be heading over to Europe in March 2007. Back home they attracted 1500 people on their homecoming concert in the local gym. Let’s hope they will do well overseas as well. Straight-ahead, in-your-face rock & roll: These guys rock! Period!