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Black Label Society - Order Of The Black (Album Review)

Click Read More to check out my review of the new Black Label Society album!

Black Label Society’s new album Order Of The Black is about everything you could want from a Black Label Society album. Zakk Wylde has spent years solidifying himself as one of the biggest presences in metal and has done it all while maintaining an underground appeal.

Some people were worried when Zakk didn’t show up to the Ozzy party on Ozzy’s new album Scream and was replaced by Firewind guitarist Gus G. This absence, the rumors Wylde’s drinking problem was out of control, and the pictures that surfaced of Wylde in the hospital with blood clots had everyone wondering if Wylde was in trouble. I think it’s safe to say with this album he is doing fine and he is perfecting the elements that have made all the Black Label albums so prominent in the metal community.

There are quite a few rockers, some good riffing, and a few ballads on this album. For anyone familiar with Wylde’s work throughout Black Label’s career this is pretty familiar territory for him. I will say it never gets old and Wylde keeps the sound fresh and his grand guitar abilities are showcased in true form on this album. His voice is in excellent condition for this release. He belts it out in a way that would make Ozzy proud.

I don’t mind the ballads on the album either. I know a lot of metal heads just can’t take the ballad stuff and don’t worry there is plenty of heavy stuff on here to satisfy your ears, but I don’t mind a ballad or two. Wylde proves he can throw a few ballads into the mix and keep the flow of the album strong. I think the ballads actually add a good element to the music and some depth. The ballads are really the moments when Wylde can showcase his vocal ability. The listener is not only waiting to hear the almighty guitar solos he has the ability to shred, although it doesn’t bother me when they show up in the slower tracks.

After a couple listens I think it’s safe to say that this album feels stronger than the previous album Shot To Hell. I don’t think it is the best Black Label Society album, but I think it’s a strong album and a good listen. Sorry Ozzy but this album is just better than your new one.

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