Black Country Communion's third album, produced by Kevin Shirley

180-gram vinyl pressing

Black Country Communion, the supergroup consisting of Joe Bonamassa, Glenn Hughes, Derek Sherinian and Jason Bonham, are out with their third album Afterglow. Recorded in June 2012 in five whirlwind days at Revolver Studio in California, the new record has been produced once more by Kevin Shirley, the man behind numerous releases from the likes of Aerosmith, Dream Theater, Iron Maiden, who's essentially Black Country Communion's "fifth Beatle."

Due to their virtually non-existent touring schedule as BCC, Glenn Hughes had approximately six months to write material. Although Hughes claimed that Afterglow was going to be a continuation from the first two albums, he was writing darker lyrics, with more drama and wanted to have more acoustic moments.

This album would definitely be considered to be included in the classic rock genre of the 1960s and 1970s, however it benefits from being in the 21st century, with the added experience from the band and the modern recording capabilities. This album packs a huge load of groove and funk, thanks to drummer Jason Bonham and bassist/lead vocalist Glenn Hughes. Guitarist Joe Bonamassa adds virtuoistic blues noodlings that slices through the aural butter with a hot Gibson Les Paul. This is an extremely strong sounding album, both musically and lyrically, with no hint of fading away. It comes in with a huge, rhythmic punch and goes out with an angry, aggressive, groove-tacular stomp.

Track Listing
Side 1
Big Train
This Is Your Time
Midnight Sun
Confessor
Cry Freedom
Afterglow

Side 2
Dandelion
The Circle
Common Man
The Giver
Crawl