BLACK LABEL SOCIETY - Kings Of Damnation

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY
Kings Of Damnation
Spitfire Records
8/10




Ozzy Osbourne sideman Zakk Wylde enjoys the distinction of being the only guitarist that has parlayed his association with the metal madman into a bona fide career of his own.

On this comprehensive retrospective, the guitar wizard’s legacy becomes even more evident, assembling the highlight’s of Wylde’s livelihood into a single package and shedding light on the fact that Wylde has created some of the most compelling moments in rock to be witnessed in the past ten years.

Wylde’s rise to solo glory has been slow, yet steady and the past year has seen the guitarist’s career rise to a fever pitch with the release of his well-received “Mafia” album, making it the perfect occasion for fans both old and new to reflect on the achievements of the highly proficient songwriter.

Including no less than nineteen tracks of some of the most highly poignant guitar handling that Wylde has to offer, fans of the grizzly rocker will find the more southern-rock oriented material from his solo debut, Pride And Glory, in the memorable, swampy “Losing Your Mind” and restless “Horse Called War, as well as tracks from Wylde’s “Book Of Shadows” release which reveal even more of a southern flavor than his more metal-sounding BLS work.

Continuing on through solid cuts such as “Stronger Than Death”, “Speedball” and “Demise Of Sanity”, it’s almost difficult to imagine the massive body of fantastic work that Wylde has amassed in such a short period of time.

With his breakout album “The Blessed Hellride” being very well-represented here with three powerful tracks, including fan favorite “Stillborn” and that album’s ripping title song, the primary appeal resides in the sheer honesty and fortitude of this man’s potent songwriting.

There can be no denying that the richly textured “House Of Doom” is among Wylde’s most tuneful tracks and is a standout amongst an album of decidedly well written music. BLS certainly goes down well with a tall cold one or two and those loyal fans that have grown to the proportion of legion will revel in the two all new cuts here, especially Wylde’s anthem to the faithful “SDMF”, which just sums up his lifestyle credo with poignant flair.

It’s hard to go wrong with such a solid collection and looking back through the years; the music of Wylde appears more vital and relevant than ever. With a hearty metal war cry and a flask raised toward the sky, this is the most intoxicating shot of alcohol-fueled brewtality to date, so throw back your metal mane and knock this fucker down.


ERIN FOX © 2006 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED