Former Ozzy lead guitarist Zakk Wylde returns in 2014 with his hard rocking outfit BLACK LABEL SOCIETY. The ninth album from BLS, this is the first one to feature Lizzy Borden guitarist Dario Lorina, who joined the lineup after guitarist Nick Catanese jumped ship in 2013. It’s clear that Wylde’s newfound sobriety in life has allowed him to become an even more powerful songwriter. From top to bottom, this record delivers on all levels for me. It’s heavy as a ton of concrete blocks crashing down onto your head, filled with memorable melodies and no doubt the listener will find Wylde at the top of his game when it comes to shredding on the six strings. One thing fans will notice right away is that Zakk has pulled back on his use of pinch harmonics. While he has toned down on that aspect of his playing, relying more on straight ahead power chords and a classic style shred, there is no question Zakk still wants to rip it up like a madman. Well he has finally outdone himself here. The speed he is playing at during his solos and his ‘one-of-a-kind’ ability to make every moment more exciting than the last, in my opinion, proves he is clearly the greatest living guitar player.
The first track “Fields of Unforgiveness” is a total rocker on steroids. Is it just me or is Zakk getting better as a vocal performer with every year that he ages? The chorus slams and the guitar solo from the bearded one on this opening cut is positively fierce. He does what any legendary guitar hero does and he absolutely blazes the fretboard into an inferno with some tasty as hell licks. The album’s first single “My Dying Time” is the second track and is very strong. Up next is “Believe”, with one killer ‘melody’ and a frenetic guitar solo that is so out of this world you will need to pinch yourself to make sure you are not dreaming. The BLS rhythm section is held down with a machine-like precision by John DeServio on bass and Chad Szeliga on drums. My friends when most madmen in rock have died or slowed down for the rocking chair, Zakk Wylde simply gets bigger and badder. The best part is that the momentum from Zakk and Co. at this point of the album does not let up one bit with the next cuts “Angel of Mercy”, “Heart of Darkness”, and the totally wicked “Beyond the Down”. You will find yourself getting lost in the absolute musical power that is Zakk fucking Wylde.
Track seven is entitled “Scars” and is a slowed down ballad. It’s got that cool, laid back Allman brothers feel. This is followed by the raging “Damn the Flood” and face melting “I’ve Gone Away”. But I am afraid for me it’s the guitar solo on “Empty Promises” that steals the show. If anyone has ever doubted the truly electrifying guitar prowess of Zakk Wylde, you need to listen to the man do his thing here, and then do like I did, cry out the words: “Holy shit!”. The last track is another ballad titled “Shades of Gray” and while I am not a fan of these types of songs, this one is a keeper. Any lover of well written rock music and virtuoso guitar playing will want to own this album. Zakk Wylde is still the champ of heavy metal guitar players.
ROCKET REVIEW:
[starreview tpl=16]
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY
“Catacombs Of The Black Vatican” (CD)
(eOne Music/2014)
1. Fields of Unforgiveness
2. My Dying Time
3. Believe
4. Angel of Mercy
5. Heart of Darkness
6. Beyond the Down
7. Scars
8. Damn the Flood
9. I’ve Gone Away
10. Empty Promises
11. Shades of Gray
http://blacklabelsociety.com
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