Customer Reviews

Folklore & Superstition

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Of all of this year's hard rock and heavy metal releases, I've probably been looking forward to Folklore & Superstition, the sophomore album from Black Stone Cherry, the most. The Kentucky-based band took me completely by surprise with their 2006 self-titled debut, which sounded like the illegitimate offspring of Black Sabbath and Lynyrd Skynyrd (or maybe Black Label Society and a case of bourbon), and since then I've been dying to hear whether that album was a fluke, or whether Black Stone Cherry was the real deal.

I shouldn't have worried. Much like the song Rain Wizard off the debut, album opener Blind Man starts things off with a bang, reminding you at once of everything you love about this band. Please Come In and Reverend Wrinkle continue in the same vein, with that perfect combination of doomy Soundgarden riffs and Skynyrd's southern integrity. Soulcreek is just a great, Southern fried, beer raising anthem. The album stumbles a bit with the ballad Things My Father Said, which, despite its obvious emotional content, sounds like a Creed b-side. Fortunately the high octane rocker The Bitter End puts the album right back on track. The rest of the album is in the same vein as the first half, with hard rocking songs (Long Sleeves, Devil's Queen, The Key, and the thundering closer Ghost of Floyd Collins) balanced by anthem-like tracks (the sing-along Peace is Free) and slower, heartfelt numbers like You.

Folklore & Superstition is a fantastic hard rock album from a band that deserves a LOT more attention. It's the kind of real rock & roll album that you can totally sink your teeth into, and it's authentic in a way most bands only wish they could accomplish. If you missed this great rock & roll band the first time around, this is your chance to see what you've been missing.

BSC are a great band! They got the sound. They got the skills. And better yet, they got the FEEL! Their first album was solid. This one picks up where that one left off! All around great album!

I have mucho respect for this band as they are one of VERY few newer bands that can still carry the torch for real rock music. This is not over produced trash. They all can play their instruments and they play them very well, and they play them with FEELING......something most bands these days lack. Check it out!!!

I'm very impressed with both albums from this band. Finally a rock band that does NOT sound like Nickelback.(I like Nickelback but I don't need 10 different other bands that sound just like them) This has a little southern flair without sounding country. Great solos, great changes, great rhythms. Overall I think these guys are better musicians than some of the other bands people want to compare them to. I can listen to both albums all the way through and enjoy every song.
PS: I originally stole this from the internet but it was good enough for me to later seek out and purchase. Why would I do that? Because I want the industry to know that I'll support them if they produce good music.

This second CD from Black Stone Cherry is hands down my favorite. This album is different from their first, more soulful and bluesy on many songs. This CD demonstrates that BSC has tons of talent, and truly sees their music as art. I think a lot of rock bands get into the habit of making album after album that sound similar because of the pressure to sound the same and not "change," but this is a band that could care less - they actually care about their music and it shows. Very lyrically inspiring, and to see them live is to realize how incredibly underrated this band truly is. WELL worth the purchase. "The Key" is my favorite song.

After waiting so long for this album it is so great to put in my stereo, push play and feel it blast the cobwebs away. This album has the same trademark style from BSC's first album, with heavy guitars, distinctive vocals and southern style, yet you can see they have grown and deliver something different enough to show development, but not so much to alienate existing fans. The stories in 'Devils Queen' and 'Ghost of Floyd Collins' are just great and the latter track has typical chugging BSC riffs that are the perfect way to end an album. 'The Key' is great, as is 'Blind Man' and 'Peace is Free' is a good balled that sits midway in the album. This whole album oozes with down south atmosphere, from lyrical content, music style, to the album photography and packaging, these guys know their roots! I am delighted this CD is finally here and that they've delivered so much in their second album. Another storming rock album from this top band. Highly recommended.

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Black Stone Cherry are a very young Southern Rock band out of Kentucky who burst on the scene with their debut album in 2007. This, their sophomore effort, combines classic southern rock ala Skynyrd or even closer to Molly Hatchet, with modern heavy guitar rock. This band shows tons of promise and although I think this album has its share of flaws; overall it is a solid release. When these guys are on, they are really on, as reflected by strong tracks like "Blind Man", "Reverend Wrinkle", "Soulcreek", "Devil's Queen", "The Key", and "Ghost Of Floyd Collins". Songs like "Collins" could have come straight out of the hey day of 70's era southern rock n roll. The band even throws in some reggae with the track "Sunrise" which probably should not work, but surprisingly is the perfect fit for the song. The album contains its fair share of ballads, some of which stand out with some not working as well. The lyrics on the album are a bit inconsistent; with some impressive southern storytelling sitting along side some trite cliché's. One of the best tracks on the album "Devil's Queen" starts off as a great rocker and concludes with a spirited jam, but just as things really start to take off the track fades out. This one could have easily been stretched out for several more minutes enabling the guys to really show off their chops, but unfortunately the producers decided to cut it mid stride. Maybe it is the progressive rock / jam band fan in me, but I really think several of these tracks could have benefited by letting the guys go on a little bit more. Criticisms aside, this is a solid album that although not perfect, is well worth a listen. If you have been looking for a new band to emerge in the tradition of classic hard southern rock, these guys may be just what the doctor ordered.

Just purchased these two CDs by the band Black Stone Cherry (BSC). Two months ago, I had never even heard of the group. In August of 2009 I went to a Collective Soul concert and BSC was opening for them. They put on a great show! Very interactive with the audience and all members were good musicians and showmen. They are a tight band and I'm sure you will be hearing more about them in the future. Although tagged as a southern rock group at times, their music is more of a fusion of southern rock, grunge and metal. Well worth the money spent on the CDs.

I was not so sure about this cd at first, but the more I listen to it, the more I love the message it leaves! These guys are amazing live! Wonderful artists with great perspectives! Southern Rock at it's best! A must buy!

I dont usally review cd that a lot of peole have ,but i had to with this one.It is one of my favorites and i almost didnt get it.I decided since i like the first one ill try this one ,and glad i did,its fantastic.Blind man ,please come in ,reverend wrinkle ,to the last song are well written and played.i hope this review was helpfull to you

downloaded album last night and have listened to about half the songs on the way to work. These guys rock reminds me of guns and roses. Good rock, hooks, riffs, everything in between. definitely recommend this one!!!