Another State of Grace
Here is a band that needs no introduction. Black Star Riders have been making massive, very noisy waves in the rock scene over the past few years. They are due to release their fourth album, ‘Another State of Grace’ tomorrow and what an album it is!
Since forming out of the ashes of Thin Lizzy back in 2013, Black Star Riders have gone from strength to strength. The band is made up of founding members Ricky Warwick, along with guitarist Scott Gorham. The band also includes guitarist Christian Martucci, Robbie Crane on Bassand Chad Szeliga on Drums.
The album opens with ‘Tonight the Moonlight Let Me Down’. For a band who have been distancing themselves from their Thin Lizzy roots, this feels somewhat nostalgic. In fact it is almost, I would say, Thin Lizzyesque, which is unusual for Black Star Riders. I wonder if it was a conscious decision on the bands part, perhaps the song in an answer or follow up to the Thin Lizzy song Dancing in the Moonlight? What a great album opener. Its catchy and punchy and I love it.
Moving into the next track, the title track of the album, its a punchy rock anthem. A foot stomping head nodding affair. A loud and proud protest song about the absurdity of power with equally powerful and poignant lyrics. The one that stands out to me, and this really is a very sobering thought, if you’ll forgive the pun “Democracy is coming on a sea of alcohol”, are our elected leaders fit for the job? I think not and this is exactly what this song is saying – what a rousing anthem.
‘Aint the End of the World’ is another great track. Perhaps a contender for single, although saying that, every song on this album is good enough to be a single. I love the duel guitar work on this track, Scott and Christian really are on fire. Its such a catchy song with yet another great singalong chorus. ‘Underneath the Afterglow’, is another treat. It’s got a heavier feel about it. This is definitely leaning towards a NWOBM sound with the guitars and extra heavy drums. It really smacks you in the face. This is a song you have to listen to LOUD!
The album continues, there isn’t a bad song in the mix. Every song tops the last as the band power through and then just as you’ve caught up and matched the bands tempo, they change things up and slow things right down. ‘Why Do You Love Your Guns’ is a real powerful, stand out moment on the album. It was written in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut on December 14, 2012, in which 26 people, including 20 children were killed. Ricky was so moved by the shooting, his daughter was the same age as some of the victims, he wrote the lyrics that night and now in 2019 it rings so true in today’s climate. It delivers a powerful message and it’s great that a band in Black Star Riders position are tackling issues like this. It is also an epic song, but that is beside the point.
I think my personal favourite song of the album is the penultimate track, ‘In the Shadow of the War Machine’. It’s a little bit left of centre, theres definitely some funk influence coming through and it includes a repeated chant “In the shadow of the war Machine”. Chugging guitars top this future classic off and I cant wait to hear the crowd chanting along with the band, this might even be my favourite Black Star Riders song of all time!
Another State of Grace is definitely Black Star Riders finest album yet. In 2015, regarding the album ‘The Killer Instinct’ Classic Rock stated: “All ten tracks here would sound glorious blasting from a jukebox in the best spit ’n’ sawdust bar in town.” – That is certainly true about this album, but I will add that in said jukebox in that dingy bar in the hard end of town, the only album you need is ‘Another State of Grace’, you don’t need anything else. They have covered all bases and explored a number of musical genres throughout the album. Hard Rock, Americana, Classic Rock and even verging on NWOBM. This album is a one stop shop. Ricky, Scott and the boys have done it again and all I can say now is bring on the tour. I can’t wait to see these new songs live
Released by Nuclear Blast
Released on 6th September
