BLSAn unknown chap that could play guitar like a god heard that guitarist Jake E Lee had departed from Ozzy Osbourne. The man in question named Jeffrey Wielandt sent in a demo tape to Ozzy who then bagged an audition A name change later and Zakk Wylde was born! After performing and co-writing with Osbourne, Zakk then started his own band Black Label Society. Releasing their first album in 1999 titled ‘Sonic Brew’ it became an instant hit with the already growing number of Zakk fans. Ozzy and Zakk still worked together on all things Osbourne during this time.  On top of that, a whopping 11 other albums were released between 2000 and 2013.  Sadly, long-term guitarist Nick Catanese left the band in December 2013 to pursue other projects then, in January it was announced that Lizzy Borden’s Dario Lorina would replace him. It’s worth noting that Rob Trujillo of Metallica played bass for BLS In 2002 until that is he got a sniff of the Hetfield.

A dirty riff and some wails from Sir Wylde on the new album for the first track ‘Fields of Unforgiveness”.  The typical Zakk pinch harmonics of course are there, but this has something extra that you just can’t place. The guitar solo is a short (Zakk doing a short solo?!) as well as the track being only just over 3 minutes long.  Then there’s ‘My Dying Time’. This is the first single off the album. It seems a lot darker to their previous stuff and the vocals on it are superb. Obviously a bit of editing to get the unique sound in the chorus so it would be interesting to hear what it sounds like live.

‘Believe’ starts with a filthy bluesy riff. However, Zakk’s voice on this one is a little flat and disappointing. If you’re a fan of this guitar hero then you’ll know what this guy can do, especially with the likes of another brilliant band he was in ‘pride and Glory ‘and of course the earlier Black Label Society stuff. He doesn’t let us down with his shredding though, that’s fairly obvious here.

As if I’d put my foot right in it, ‘Angel of mercy’ contains the beautiful pipes of Zakk that we know and love and some acoustic and laid back guitar. OK, so.. There’s nothing new with this one. It’s a slow ballad style Black Label song, but  I’m far from complaining! I’ve personally always thought the slower BLS tracks were the winners every time.  After a peaceful moment in comes ‘Heart of Darkness’ and as much as I want to like it, it’s just a little too repetitive throughout. The riff goes on for too long.  That aside, I will give it a fair point for the stunning guitar solo though!

A track that made me sit back and give it a good listen was ‘Beyond The Down’. At first it seems another heavy track, but it slows down and turns into a little bit of a masterpiece, offering something completely different. A not so slow track with amazing vocals and the solo, think how he was with the earlier BLS stuff ! The only thing that might grate a little is the constant pinch harmonics. I mean, I know it’s your trademark Zakk, but Jesus!

Another pleasant acoustic track with ‘Scars’ but another that’s worth the mention is ‘Damn the Flood’. The heavy and bouncy riffs to swing your head to and the pounding drums, you can pretty much smell the denim and leather on this one!

They obviously knew what they were doing when they chose ‘Shades of Gray’ as a track to end on. A truly original sound effect on the guitars and his voice on this one, now this is what I’m taking about! Full of emotion. The lyrics are quite sad, including “the day my world it fell away, Shade of gray, unspoken words, nothing left to say”  Aw Zakk, bless you! It’s definitely going to be one of those songs that Black Label fans say “What I want to be played at my funeral is….”

It’s not the strongest album that I’ve heard from them but it’s certainly not one to throw down the pan.  And if you’re a fan of them I’d have to recommend a listen. To cut a long story short, there’s still life in the old fella yet!

For an extra …. I had to mention the write up that the label has sent with the cd, commenting on the fact Zakk wants to “Re-record Chinese Democracy at least twice” and ‘Retire to Sammy Hagars Cabo Wabo’. You have to hand it to him, he’s a fucking comedian!

(7/10 Charlie Rance) 

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