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Black Label Society
Skullage
(Eagle Rock Entertainment/
Black Label Recordings)
I’ll be the first to admit that when I was initially approached about worshipping at the First Holy Church Of Black Label Society via an ex-co-worker (circa 2001), I initially didn’t know what to expect. This was, after all, a ‘…serious…’ Heavy Metal group and I, not really knowing any better, had spent most of my adult life deeply immersed amid the Glam-tinged offerings of Guns ‘n’ Roses, L.A. Guns and Motley Crue, to name only a few. Despite this (or perhaps in part because of it), I was able to set my more than considerable misgivings aside and wholeheartedly embraced the group with a previously unparalleled, childlike enthusiasm. Not surprisingly, the end result--as I’m sure you’ve already guessed--was a musical experience unlike almost any other that would eventually lead to the start of what has thus far been a curiously long and disturbing love affair.
On the stellar Skullage (2009), an expertly assembled thirty one track, two disc (one CD, one DVD) collection of maddeningly infectious Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, each track, beginning with the refreshingly introspective “Dead As Yesterday” (taken from Wylde’s acoustic-laden 1996 solo debut Book Of Shadows), and the maddeningly infectious “Doomsday Jesus”, instantly commands the rapt and undivided attention of even the most jaded and unimaginative of listeners, myself most definitely included. Armed, as you may have already guessed, with the bloodthirsty ferociousness that has so often personified their oft-varied career, the group boldly forges ahead via a seamless, primarily mid-tempo barrage of gritty, gurgly vocals, searing fretwork and occasionally punishing rhythms, thus again distinguishing themselves from their few legitimate contemporaries.
Continuing with the impossibly emotion-laden ‘Dimebag’ Darrell tribute “In This River”, and the relentlessly pummeling “Suicide Messiah” (taken from 2005’s criminally underrated Mafia), the steadfast--to say the very least--combination of vocalist/guitarist Zakk Wylde, guitarist Nick Catanese, bassists James LoMenzo (Megadeth, ex-David Lee Roth) and drummers Craig Nunenmacher, Christian Werr, Philth, Joe Vitale and Brian Tichy (Billy Idol, Gilby Clarke and Vinnie Moore, to name only a few) steamroll ahead with what can only be described as a sickening ease. Effectively reinforcing the group’s already well-deserved reputation as a creative and commercial force not to be ignored, the group deftly showcases the quasi-badass mentality and airtight tonalities that initially propelled them to the dizzying heights of international recognition.
Easily surpassing 2006’s obviously well-intended Doom Troopin’ Live (and for that matter, 2003’s ingenious Boozed, Broozed & Broken Boned), other standouts, inducing the thunderous “New Religion” (taken from 2006’s Shot To Hell, the group’s lone effort for Road Runner Records), and an equally impressive unplugged’ rendition of the scalding “Stillborn”, offer a staggering wealth of sonic evidence in support of the group’s apparently ceaseless quest for world dominance. An absolute must-have for both clueless newcomers and die-hard completists alike, the majority--if not all--of the decidedly over-the-top wares contained herein are seemingly guaranteed to leave all parties involved only wanting for more, a much-welcomed characteristic that makes the career-spanning behemoth that is the mighty Skullage one of the year’s most truly pleasant surprises.
So what’s really wrong? Still not sure you’ll dig it? Believe me; I know what you’re probably thinking. But whatever you do, don’t let that stop you from wholeheartedly embracing what is, without a doubt, the improbably long-running group’s finest audiovisual offering to date. Even if you somehow still find yourself unable to rationalize the erstwhile Mr. Wielandt as the rightful heir to the tragically vacant Randy Rhoads ‘Guitar God’ throne, one must, at the very least, sincerely admire the axeman’s ability to once again deliver the goods. As a result, if you’ve once again found yourself in search of an undeniably high octane reprieve from the painfully mindless ‘…din and clatter that is so often force fed en mass…’, then this, my friends, might just be the sweat-soaked, pinch harmonic-fueled cure-all the doctor ordered. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
Select Zakk Wylde Discography
Skullage (CD/DVD) (2009) **
Shot To Hell (2006) **
Doom Troopin’ Live (DVD) (2006) **
Mafia (2005) **
Hangover Music Volume VI (2004) **
The Blessed Hellride (2003) **
Boozed, Broozed & Broken Boned (DVD) (2003) **
1919 * Eternal (2002) **
Live At Budokan (2002) *
Alcohol Fueled Brewtality Live +5 (2001) **
Down To Earth (2001) *
Stronger Than Death (1999) **
Sonic Brew (1998) **
The Ozzman Cometh (1997) *
Book Of Shadows (1996) **
Ozzmosis (1995) *
Pride And Glory (1994) **
Live And Loud (1993) *
No More Tears (1990) *
Just Say Ozzy (1989) *
No Rest For The Wicked (1988) *
* with Ozzy Osbourne
** as a solo artist