Back in 2006, I took an almost three-hour trip to see a Black Label Society in a neighboring state. The openers were Priestess and Black Stone Cherry, whom I had not heard anything about at this point. It had been, what felt like, shortly after the Dimebag incident had occurred, and to say I was a little anxious about being at a show, especially one his close friend was playing at, is an understatement. The high energy of the crowd was not helping, it was not a good energy. At this point, I was just hoping to enjoy the show as best as I could and get out of there safely. Priestess went on and helped ease my mind a little, I thoroughly enjoyed their set. Then came Black Stone Cherry……
I was completely blown away. Chris Robertson‘s vocals felt like they were pulling my soul toward the stage like a string was attached. I remember them playing some Moody Blues, (which we discuss in the interview), and I remember thinking, these guys are going to make it. If they stay together, they will drive through this industry like a freight train, as opposed to the “Lonely Train” there were singing about. (Dad/Mom? joke mode).
To see them still striving and driving makes my heart so happy. The upcoming album, Screamin’ at the Sky, is just as good as the predecessors, if not, dare I say it, better. One thing that has remained consistent, is the beautiful lyricism and the incredible musicianship, riffs, solos, etc. Chris Robertson (vocals, guitar), Ben Wells (guitar, backing vocals), John Fred Young (drums, percussion, piano, backing vocals), and Steve Jewell Jr (bass, backing vocals), are friends first, a band second, and that is their secret to staying together.
Chris was kind enough to sit down with Metal Nation and discuss the upcoming release. (If you are viewing from your phone, scroll to the bottom of the page and click “View Desktop Version” to gain access to interview and videos).