ROCKET REVIEW: BLACK LABEL SOCIETY – “The Song Remains Not The Same” (CD)

This reviewer didn’t think BLACK LABEL SOCIETY had much to offer with a new ‘mellower’ collection of songs – entitled The Song Remains Not The Same, that are essentially re-worked ‘unplugged’ acoustic versions of cuts off the band’s latest studio album, Order of The Black, along with some classic covers. After listening to all ten tracks, I was blown away at the passion behind the production, the obvious nod to Led Zeppelin – and more than impressed with every single tune that former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde cranks out. I utterly love his take on Black Sabbath’s “Juniors Eyes”, along with “Darkest Days”, featuring country superstar John Rich. Wylde’s soulful, blues-drenched vocals blend perfectly with Rich. I really dig the results that Zakk got here.

Amazingly, hard hitters like “Overlord”, “Parade of the Dead”, and “Riders of the Damned” – after simply pulverizing in their original metal form, did not go ‘limp’, which is really killer to hear. Wylde continues to prove why he is one of the great talents in Rock N Roll, being able to go from his heavy handed, screeching-electric as all heck approach to a more stripped down, naked Zakk Wylde. Perhaps, indeed, this is a more serious time in the guitar legend’s career – after suffering life threatening blood clots and quitting the sauce once and for all – where he is trying to reflect and take things a bit slower for once. I think it was an utterly brilliant move on his part and in the end, I feel this record definitely is worth checking out by not only Wylde’s most devoted fans, but I feel just about anyone – who is willing – can fall in love with his music presented here. The dude is flat out one of the fiercest lead guitar players alive, and you can hear his great licks up and down one smoking version of “Can’t Find My Way Home”. Zakk may have lost his gig with Ozzy, but I must say that the big fella seems to be rocking again in top form in recent years. Let’s hope it stays that way.

TMD

ROCKET REVIEW:
[starreview tpl=16]
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY –
“The Song Remains Not The Same” (CD)
(Entertainment One Music/2011)

1. Overlord (Unplugged version)
2. Parade Of The Dead (Unplugged version)
3. Riders Of The Damned (Unplugged version)
4. Darkest Days (Unplugged version)
5. Juniors Eyes
6. Helpless
7. Bridge Over Troubled Water
8. Can’t Find My Way Home
9. Darkest Days (featuring John Rich)
10. The First Noel

http://www.blacklabelsociety.com/