The mighty Black Label Society has returned. Their 2003 opus, “The Blessed Hellride” [Spitfire Records], is as solid as they come. (…Even if at times it feels a bit mellower than previous efforts.)
Black Label Society is like Pantera's Psychedelic little brother–pissed, powerful, and primal as cold steel. Zakk Wylde's guitar playing is flawless, ranging from heavy, pulverizing blasts of electric fury to dark, acoustic moments of introspective sorrow. His deep, rumbling vocals crown this sonic mayhem perfectly. The rhythms are tight and powerful, and solidly anchor the Black Label Society sound on a good foundation.
Psychedelic Powercore Metal is what Black Label Society does so brilliantly well. The best of these killer cuts includes the visceral “Funeral Bell,” “The Blessed Hellride,” the melodic intensity of “We Live No More,” and the sublime darkness of the ballad “Blackened Waters.” Every track oozes blood-drenched grooves; this is amazing stuff.
Ozzy Osbourne does some guest vocals on the song “Stillborn.”
In summary, Black Label Society has hammered-out another excellent slab of music. And it is one blessed hell of a ride. Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Pantera, Drowning Pool, Kilgore Smudge, How It Ends, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Peace.
Bill Vogel III
Email at: StrangeAeons@hatebox.net
Copyright 2003.
Courtesy of Stranger Aeons Magazine.
