For all those who don't know about Zakk Wylde, or think Ozzy Osbourne is just "That old guy who talks funny on T.V.", this should come as an eye-opener.
Zakk Wylde, originally known as Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist, has come into his own in the past 10 years, showing amazing musicianship, unrestrained dedication, and unbridled talent, in his post-Ozzy ventures. Starting with his Southern Rock influenced "Pride and Glory" album, through his piano-driven "Book of Shadows" album, and his more recent band "Black Label Society", Zakk has shown both physical and mental versatility, and inventiveness, playing every instrument on his albums, besides the drums, (including piano and banjo) and pushing the limit of guitar riffs, solo-work, and fearlessness. His intensity and dedication was further exemplified in the most recent Ozzfest tour, playing sets with both Ozzy Osbourne, and his band (Black Label Society). Keeping true metal alive, Zakk has retained a stubborn, and unchanging, yet admirable, no-nonsense, and above all, down to earth attitude throughout.
Specifically, on his new Album, "The Blessed Hellride", Zakk sounds absolutely possessed! Every song is sung passionately and the listener gets to hear all sides of Zakk's musical talent, with such softer tracks as "Dead Meadow" or the Title Track "The Blessed Hellride", brutal, driving tracks, such as "Doomsday Jesus", downright catchy tracks like "Stillborn" (which features a special guest vocalist), and tracks that reflect his previous experience with Ozzy, such as "Destruction Overdrive". Overall, Zakk's voice sounds much more refined (almost Ozzy-esque), featuring more of a range than on his other albums, and the sound quality is seemingly higher on the music backing him up.
A fantastic album to listen while taking a long drive, it's faster tracks provide an extremely rousing beat that will keep you awake, and get the blood-pumping. Also very good for alone-time, it's softer tracks are soothing, though they manage to keep one's attention, rather than lulling one to sleep.
Overall, whether you are a fan of Zakk, or someone who's never heard of the guy, the album provides so much diversity, and raw talent, that it cannot be ignored, and is one of his best albums to date. Don't miss this one.
-UnforgivenSDMF
(BLS Street Team, NY Chapter).
Visit
WWW.ZakkWylde.Com for more information!
Black Label Society-"The Blessed Hellride" (A Review).
