Zakk Wylde is a Guitar God, no question. A unique talent. But let’s be aware, I’m convinced that the “Black Label Society” are not here to entertain, they’re here to hurt you. Sonic genocide could be a good description. When Zakk plugs his Bullseye Les Paul into an amp he has no audience, only victims.

The latest album “Mafia” only reinforces this view and if you’re in any doubt, check out the first single “Suicide Messiah”. Fuck me, that’s heavy. A brutally low tuned stomp that hits you in the pit of your stomach. Vocally Zakk is very reminiscent of Ozzy around Black Sabbath’s “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” period and this styling fits the overall sound superbly. The most striking thing about “Mafia” is it’s unique sound, there’s no semi punk undertones, it’s not Thrash and it’s not Grunge. Indefinable really.

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing the new Hammerfall album and to put that album next to BLS is like comparing two boxers. Hammerfall have the Cassius Clay grace and fluid skill in their music and yet BLS is the Mike Tyson, snarling, hard as a bastard streetfighter. Obviously driven by Zakk’s guitar sound, Black label Society have moved up a gear in terms of intensity but haven’t lost sight of the fact that you need good songs in the first place. “In This River” is a marked contrast, piano led and tasteful guitar, a truly beautiful song. And it’s this use of the piano that lends depth to the album. “Death March” and “Electric Hellfire” are future live favourites and both fit into the “Sonic Genocide” scenario. Yet “Dirt On The Grave” and “I Never Dreamed” are just superbly well written songs, deeply reflective and somewhat soulful. Quality songwriting and unholy brutality in equal doses will secure Black Label Society’s place at the forefront of rock music for some time to come, if Zakk doesn’t kill you first.

Let us know your views on 'Mafia'

Track List

Fire It Up
Whats In You
Suicide Messiah
Forever Down
In This River
You Must Be Blind
Death March
Dr. Octavia
Say What You Will
Too Tough To Die
Electric Hellfire
Spread Your Wings
Been A Long Time
Dirt On The Grave

Line Up

Zakk Wylde - Vocals, Guitars, Piano
Nick Catanese - Guitars
James Lomenzo - Bass
Craig Nunenmacher - Drums