Supergroup Black Country Communion formed in 2009 Los Angeles. On its third album, lead singer/bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple) gets to howl with industrial-strength screams. Plus, on most of the second half of this satisfying 11-track disc, he gets to really sing to the point where when he’s not laying it on too thick, he has a soulful elasticity to his voice a la Corey Glover of Living Colour.

Lead guitarist Joe Bonamassa has the most fun: here, he can channel his inner Rock Star Guitar Hero shredder dreams into an all-consuming reality without having to worry one iota about being tasteful as he does on his solo albums. He’s a whirling dervish of action-packed drama and blood-soaked violence (worth the price of admission).

Keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) provides subtle color commentary…just enough to keep the prog fans interested.

Drummer Jason Bonham is a constant ball of thunder propelling the game forward with tom-tom fills, bass drum kicks, hi-hat dances and the kind of snare sophistication that actually bests his beloved dad in terms of technical prowess.

Produced by the one guy amongst anyone that you would want in control of your hard rock band, consummate pro Kevin Shirley (not enough space here for his voluminous credits since 1975), Afterglow is aptly named as you’ll want to marvel in silence for a bit when this thing ends.

Label: J&R Adventures (to purchase album in CD format, click here)