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This is a magnificent effort from alt-metal outfit Black Stone Cherry. Combining crunching riffs, dynamic drums, gritty, raw vocals and an accessible feel to their music is some achievement. But Chris Robertson's vocals are excellent here and throughout this album. It opens with the driving, gritty 'Rain Wizard', which shows the shape of things to come. BSC are a strange mixture of Alter Bridge, Stone Sour, Nickelback, Pearl Jam and possibly AC/DC. 'Backwoods Gold' runs in the same vein, just a little more up-tempo, and Robertson's soaring, gritty vocals are a perfect compliment to the bone-crunching chords. 'Lonely Train' is very Alter Bridge, it's deep, grungy and a brilliant metal track. The chorus is brilliant, not too mainstream, but accessible enough. The formula is just right. 'Maybe Someday' is quick, purposeful, and aggressive, like a metal song should be. 'When The Weight Comes Down' is similar, but very aggressive. The chorus is slower, but it needs to be to maintain the song's balance. 'Crosstown Woman' is outstanding. 'Got me a crosstown woman!' Robertson sings with his gritty voice. There's something a bit Nickelback about this song, and a hint of country rock. Well of course, they're no Kings of Leon as far as the style of music is concerned, and neither are they Hank Williams, but there's something a bit soulful in there, and it's full of feeling. 'Shooting Star' is one of the weaker offerings, but it's very good nonetheless.

At this point, you might argue that the album could be too generic (samey), but that it ain't. The power-riffs are strewn all across the album, all of them impressive, yet not too complicated. Track eight slows things down slightly, with 'Hell and High Water', which is BSC's take of a 'ballad'. And to be fair to them, it's a darn good try. Yes, it's heavy, but the melody and feeling is there for all to hear, and the words are sincere: 'Please don't do it alone,' is one line Robertson pleads as he croons over melodic chords, before the crunching riffs come in for the chorus. 'Shapes of Things' is brilliant. The vocal range Robertson reaches here is rather extraordinary. There is a strong feeling with every song they play, and BSC have energy in abundance. A great track. Track ten, 'Violator Girl' is my personal favourite. It's quite funny, because the way this song is...well, sang, is similar to Jet's 'Stand Up', off their 'Shine On' album. Not that they sound like Jet at all, it's just a strange coincidence as the methods are so similar. Robertson is on top form here, as are the rest of the band. Brilliant. 'Violator girl...she's gonna rock your world!' Robertson wails. 'Tired of the Rain' is brilliant, it's a cover of the Yardbirds' classic. Yes, that band where Eric Clapton started off. And it's even got some original features like the organ like the one that was used back then. Just that here, the song sounds fresher and better. 'Drive' is another below par song in comparison to the rest of the album, but the album's standard is so high, the song would be excellent on most albums. 'Rollin' On' is the final track, and it's brilliant. Chock-full of solos and melodic passages. Excellent. A brilliant way to start their career. If their next offering will be anything like this, then the music world had better watch out. 9.5/10.

Rating: 5 out of 5

IN A TIME WHEN I WAS SATURATED IN THE HEAVIEST OF THE HEAVY IN A BID TO FEEL MORE ALIVE, AGAIN IM BROUGHT BACK FROM THE BRINK AND WHAT A BAND TO DO SO. VERY ENERGETIC, VERY BLUESY, I DONT KNOW ANY OF THEM PERSONALLY BUT I KNOW THEY HAVE THE FULL ZEPPELIN DISCOGRAPHY!
UNFORTUNATLEY WHAT COMES WITH SUCH A GENRE OF MUSIC IS THE REPETITIVENESS OF THE SOUNDS, THE SCALES AND THEME BUT WITH MATURITY THEY SHOULD EXPAND THEY'RE HORIZONS LIKE THEY'RE INSPIRATIONS OF ERA'S PAST.
4 STARS COULD OF SO EASILY OF BEEN 5 IF I HAD A BEER IN MY HAND. THE RIGHT MUSIC FOR SUCH AN OCCASSION.

Rating: 4 out of 5

This album is a breath of fresh air from the over saturated and synthetic rock/metal that we are used to.If your into Black Label or The Anwser then this is for you. This is a balls to the wall all out rock/metal album with real vintage quality and influence. These guys are going to be big.!!!

Rating: 5 out of 5

A fantastic debut album that grabs hold of you and won't let go. Each time i try and change the CD in the car i find myself giving it one more play.I'm going to improve the sound system in the car to do the album justice. This is proper rock music that deserves to be listened to.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Finally i can listen to a whole album were i dont think that every song is as boring as the next with 2 corr larrys playing...., This album basically says to all the mainstream bands this is how to play instruments, how come is it that the bands unknown are the best:D, this is a top class gem of a album!!! Full marks from me!

Rating: 5 out of 5