Based in Knoxville, Tenn., the critically-acclaimed, and criminally underheard Abernathy has nine full-length albums under his belt under his own name, as well as featured songs on albums with Mic Harrison and the High Score, in which he plays co-lead guitar.

Raised in Madisonville, Tenn., Abernathy set out for the San Francisco Bay area looking for a career in music immediately after graduating from high school. Despite a couple of close calls with success in the hair metal scene, he ended up back in Tennessee, this time in Nashville. Inspired by John Prine and other songwriters who hovered at the outskirts of commercial country music, Abernathy began writing songs that were deeper and more nuanced than what were usually delivered behind hard rock guitar riffs.

By the time he settled in Knoxville, Abernathy had his own distinctive style that invited audiences to listen a little closer to the lyrics than they typically might while being showered with hot guitar licks. Plenty of tours and festivals followed, but Abernathy mostly stayed close to home, helping to raise his three daughters, rather than focusing on a life on the road. And his songs are all the better for it.

With his new album, “Wreck This Train,” Abernathy has assembled another stack of double-edged greats. The seven tracks include an unexpected take on the immigration situation (“Jesse and Jesus”), a song about accepting what life gives you even if it’s not what you thought you wanted  (“Hemingway Punch”), and “Showing Up” - an angry number about finally taking time for yourself, which features fiery guest vocals by former Guy Marshall co-lead vocalist Sarrenna.

This is music that AI can’t create. This is heart and soul. Give it a listen.

~ Wayne Bledsoe