Black Stone Cherry announced that they are going to releases their seventh studio album, The Human Condition on October 30th. It will be available on Red Transparent vinyl, limited edition CD boxset, and digital. The album can be pre-order here.
The Human Condition was completed just days before the COVID-19 lockdown was imposed. Even though the album was written before the pandemic started, Black Stone Cherry said that the lyrics are eerily prescient. According to the band’s drummer, John Fred Young:
“There was a real urgency and fear of the unknown during those sessions – it was a scary time. Every song on this album tells a story of the experiences we all go through – our happiness, our struggles, and how we have to adapt. The album’s opening lyrics are: ‘People, people, your attention please, I need to tell you about a new disease’ (from ‘Ringin’ In My Head). The song was written 4 years ago, but powerfully captures the hysteria around the COVID-19 outbreak.”
Lead singer Chris Robertson says the album also tackles topics like mental health:
“On ‘Push Down & Turn,’ BSC masterfully use space to achieve crushing swamp-metal dynamics. The stirring track talks about mental health, boldly advocating getting treatment if you’re struggling. I suffer from manic depression and I have severe anxiety. I want to convey it’s okay to go to a doctor and talk about these issues. There is no shame or stigma there.”
Black Stone Cherry also released the the music video for “Again”, the first single off of the upcoming album.
The Human Condition was self-produced and tracked in bassist Jon Lawhon’s recording facility, Monocle Studios. The group came in with four songs, wrote some new ones, and recorded a few unreleased favorites.
The Human Condition track listing:
1. Ringin’ in My Head
2. Again
3. Push Down & Turn
4. When Angels Learn to Fly
5. Live This Way
6. In Love With the Pain
7. The Chain
8. Ride
9. If My Heart Had Wings
10. Don’t Bring Me Down
11. Some Stories
12. The Devil in Your Eyes
13. Keep On Keepin’ On
