It seems that Zakk has ruffled a few feathers with this album. Whether it’s the controversial title, or the fact that ‘Shot to Hell’ is smattered with ballads, hard core BLS fans seem a might bit peeved if my trawl through the Internet is anything to go by. Good job then that I reviewed this first without any preconceptions as ‘Shot to Hell’ is a mighty fine rock album for the neutral who isn’t bothered by the BLS image or dodgy title. 

I know I’m probably on my own with this but I prefer ‘Shot to Hell’ to last year’s acclaimed ‘Mafia’ release. Wylde’s introspective approach on STH has an underlying subtlety (hard to believe, I know) far removed from the hard man image he normally portrays. He reveals far more about himself and his demons than he probably realises. Wylde seems troubled by both the world and his place in it (who isn’t?) and the ballads here are truly melancholy and brilliantly performed. 

Of course you’ve still got classic Zakk, such as on opener ‘Concrete Jungle’, but then he throws a curve ball to alienate his hard core following by writing a pop rock classic like ‘Blood is Thicker than Water’. A magnificent slice of radio friendly rock, or a piece of crap, depending on your viewpoint. I loved it. But then, like I say, I’m not bothered if Wylde’s ‘beer can over the head’ days are over.  

Clearly then we have a dichotomy (always wanted to get that word in a review) as image takes on musicality. As far as I’m concerned Wylde has come up with a cracking rock album that actually has depth and sustained interest – oh and of course some stunning guitar playing. But on the other hand it’s easy to see why some fans think he has sold out and might find STH a tad lightweight. 

My only gripe is that sometimes, lyrically, he takes the easy way out with repeated words or lines when clearly he can actually put pen to paper when he’s really arsed. Penultimate ‘Devil’s Dime’ is probably the biggest clue as to what ‘Shot to Hell’ is all about. But honestly, I don’t want to go there or get involved in that sort of controversy. I think this CD will either be loved or hated in equal measure. But taken on face value there is some really good stuff on here.

Let us know your views on 'Shot To Hell'

Track List

Concrete Jungle
Black Mass Reverends
Blacked Out World
Last Goodbye, The
Give Yourself To Me
Nothing's The Same
Hell Is High
New Religion
Sick Of It All
Faith Is Blind
Blood Is Thicker Than Water
Devil's Dime
Lead Me To Your Door

Line Up

Zakk Wylde - Guitars/Vocals
Craig Nunenmacher - Drums
John “J.D.” DeServio - Bass