The Moshville Times - Album Review: Black Star Riders

We’re a decade into Black Star Riders’ career and as a band who have consistently put out great albums, they’ve managed to endure whilst facing numerous line-up changes, including the departure of the legendary Scott Gorham (though he is coming back to celebrate the band’s ten year anniversary on the UK dates) and successfully managing to step out of the shadow of Thin Lizzy with each album. We may have had a bit of a longer wait for this album compared to others but Wrong Side of Paradise shows the fire burns as bright as ever within the band.

As their first release without Gorham, there’s as much trepidation on this record as there was with the debut, just under slightly different circumstances. His absence is felt but the album doesn’t lack heart which is thankfully as present as it was on the past four albums. With Ricky Warwick and Christian Martucci handling the guitar duties, there’s now a dirtier, grungier tone found but there’s still plenty of that trademark chunkiness to them. Naturally, Martucci’s time in bands with some guy called Corey Taylor has brought a new sense of modernity to their classic rock sound which was more understated in the previous album and tour but has more of a chance to shine on this album.

However, if you’re looking for that signature Black Star Riders’ sound, there’s still some diamonds to be found, namely in lead single “Better Than Saturday Night” which contains a knowing nod or two to their Thin Lizzy origins while still being themselves. It’s every inch the up-tempo rocker we know them for and extoling the virtues of maintaining positivity in the face of adversity. Elsewhere, there’s “Don’t Let the World (Get in the Way)” at the other end of the album also typifying this on both a sonic and lyrical standpoint, but from a more storytelling standpoint.

The album roars into life with the title track, featuring those instantly recognisable guitars backed by gargantuan drums. Essentially, this is them galloping back into battle, having not missed a step as they make their glorious return. It’s reinforced on the menacing “Hustle” as it stomps its way to the finish line, texture added with splashes of sludgy of harmonica and female vocals which intertwine with Warwick’s own distinctive boom.

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Meanwhile, the album finds the band pushing forward and playing with their sound, experimenting and progressing it. “Pay Dirt” sneers with grungy guitars and Warwick matches it in his vocal delivery, bubbling with aggression and angst. “Green and Troubled Land” doesn’t need much deciphering from its title but there’s shades of punk found within. “Catch Yourself On” chugs in places which sounds like it could have featured on Corey Taylor’s album but still has the bright guitars you’d expect on this record.

There’s a couple of slower numbers with the sombre and introspective “Riding Out the Storm” as it questions mortality and legacy. Closing number “This Life Will Be the Death of Me” has a snarling bass line throughout from Robert Crane, taking centre stage as moments as it bristles with power. Between the gang vocals and the dirtier guitars, it’s something far more unique in the album, and by extension, the band’s entire arsenal.

Naturally, the band are sounding as tight and as polished as they have since day one. With Martucci and Warwick taking the reins on guitars this time around, it feels more balanced, mixing playfulness with experience and the deft touch of Zak St. John’s drums. Overall, it’s less full-on and much more of a lighter touch compared to earlier works without sounding too over-produced, there’s simply a bit less pressure on the accelerator in order to take in the scenery. The only real issue comes in “Crazy Horses”, feeling out of place and trips the momentum of the album as the guitars scrape and screech; it doesn’t come across as Black Star Riders covering The Osmonds. That aside, “Burning Rome” becomes one of the most interesting songs on the album and the juxtaposition of following on from “Crazy Horses” is a welcome one. Mixing wistful melancholia with swagger, it’s full of bombast and heart in equal measure; the band’s raison d’être.

As the band celebrate a decade with this album, this latest line-up (which has since changed from the time of recording – Sam Wood replaces Christian Martucci) has stretched its wings and experimented more with what a Black Star Riders song can be. For those looking for something with a more traditional sound, it’s there, sitting comfortably with the rest of the tracks. There may be a Gorham-shaped hole on the album but Warwick and co. have plugged it effortlessly to make a solid entry in their catalogue.

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Header image by Ross Halfin

Wrong Side of Paradise is released on 20th January

Check out all the bands we review in 2023 on our Spotify and YouTube playlists!