Review: Preacher Stone – By The Horns
Preacher Stone (October 17th, 2025)
Reviewer: Chris O’Connor
After the most brutal and tragic year imaginable for any band, Preacher Stone have returned with their sixth studio album – and what an absolute gem it is. 2024 was a year from hell for the Charlotte, North Carolina–based Southern rockers, marked by the heartbreaking loss of not one but two band members: founder and guitarist Marty Hill and keyboardist Johnny Webb. Yet through immense grief, the band have found the strength to carry on, and with ‘By The Horns‘ they’ve delivered a true monster of an album.
If you’re unfamiliar with this fine outfit (really – where have you been?), Preacher Stone are renowned for their fiery live performances. Over the years they’ve toured relentlessly across the USA and Europe, sharing stages with the likes of ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, The Outlaws, The Marshall Tucker Band, Blackberry Smoke, Steve Earle, Charlie Daniels, Black Stone Cherry, Shooter Jennings, Dan Baird, Lucinda Williams, The Sons of Liberty, and Revenant, among others.
The 2025 line-up features Ronnie Riddle (lead vocals, harmonica, mandolin), Ben Robinson (lead guitar, vocals), Darrell Whitt (guitars, vocals), Jim Bolt (bass, vocals), and Josh Wyatt (drums, percussion, vocals). Following Johnny’s passing, the band chose not to replace him, opting instead for a leaner, guitar-driven sound. It takes a moment to adjust – but my goodness, this record shines. You can almost hear Marty and Johnny smiling down with pride.
I genuinely thought the band would never surpass the totally excellent ‘V‘ (review here) album, but I’m thrilled to admit I was wrong. If you’re a fan of Southern Rock, you’ll adore this record – I’d stake my life on it. It’s bursting with life, soul, and storytelling in the best American rock tradition. Born of tragedy yet overflowing with vitality, ‘By The Horns‘ is both a cathartic and life-affirming work.
The album kicks off with the title track – a barnstorming opener that roars out of the gate with a killer riff and an irresistible chorus. Ben and Darrell’s duelling guitars are pure Southern Rock heaven. ‘Saddled and Rode’ follows, a lyrical sequel to the ‘V‘ anthem ‘Horse to Water’. Slightly more laid-back than the opener, it recalls mid-’80s Molly Hatchet – and I mean that as the highest compliment.
‘Writing on the Wall’, the lead single, was a wise choice: its lazy swagger, groovy riff, and soaring chorus make it instantly memorable. The guitar work throughout is electrifying. ‘The Devil You Know’ channels AC/DC in both tone and swagger, evoking that ‘Back in Black’ era energy – need I really say more?
‘Blessing and a Curse’ dips into bluesy, Bad Company territory, with Ronnie’s soulful vocals front and centre. The band sound gloriously loose and confident here. ‘Old Joe’ rocks harder, driven by Jim and Josh’s solid rhythm section while the twin guitars blaze above – simply exhilarating. ‘The Last to Know’ is a tough, heartfelt lament to lost love, with one of the album’s standout choruses.
Then comes ‘Come What May’ – big, bold, and belligerent. It’s a swaggering mid-paced boogie brimming with attitude and duelling guitars that define the Southern Rock spirit. The album closes with ‘Think By Now’, an AC/DC-styled sweat-soaked rocker with a melodic chorus that nearly steals the show at the finish line.
At just over thirty-two minutes, ‘By The Horns‘ is a perfectly paced, no-filler, all-killer triumph. Each of its nine songs is memorable, and together they form a masterclass in how to craft a classic rock album. Born of heartbreak, delivered with heart – ‘By The Horns‘ is timeless, defiant, and utterly brilliant. Hell yeah.
Track Listing:
- By The Horns
- Saddled And Rode
- Writing On The Wall
- The Devil You Know
- Blessing And A Curse
- Old Joe
- The Last To Know
- Come What May
- Think By Now
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