Black Label Society – 'Grimmest Hits': Zakk's gang is back!

The musician and composer is back with Black Label Society and their newest record, titled 'Grimmest Hits'. And believe me when I tell you, they've got nothing good in mind!

Doom Crew Inc.: Welcome to the Family

Leather cuts, patches with the logo and mottos that give you goosebumps. That's Black Label Society. A fantasy motorcycle club. The idea behind Zakk Wylde's band has roots deeply embedded in American culture. The motorcycle club community (mostly Harley Davidson clubs) has gained huge exposure. A big part of the responsibility for that obviously falls on shows like Sons of Anarchy and Mayans M.C. Of course, clubs like the Hell's Angels have been around for many years and are known both for their legal and their not-so-legal dealings.

But let's get back to the music and to Zakk. The musician chose this setting to bring his music to the world, mainly because of the sense of brotherhood it evokes. The whole concept of having your buddy's back and of togetherness is inextricably tied to Zakk's own experiences, who changed quite a bit after the death of Darell Dimebag.

SDMF: Strength, Determination, Merciless, Forever

Could pass for an army corps motto! But these are the initials that go hand in hand with Black Label Society's music. Those familiar with the band's music will understand these are feelings it stirs up in you. On this particular record though… Starting with the cover, we've got a very simple artwork. The cult figure of the Grim Reaper against an olive-green background might give some people a preconceived idea about the kind of music inside. However, the video clip for 'A Love Unreal' (which features him!) lightens the mood, since it's more on the comedic side!

But beyond Black Label Society's wish to make us laugh at the adventures of a wannabe Grim Reaper, the music is nothing short of serious. Moving within the Heavy Rock spectrum, it's full of heft, tasty riffs and epic solos courtesy of Zakk himself. Let's take a ride!

Speaking of… Zakk Wylde!

Black Label Society are a peculiar band. Having such a great guitarist in their lineup certainly doesn't leave much room for experimentation from the other members. It's crystal clear that Zakk Wylde is the band's first fiddle. He handles part of the rhythm playing, all the solos, and vocals on the tracks. 'Grimmest Hits' is no exception to the rule. It contains music of epic proportions, with him as the main organizer. This of course doesn't mean he isn't surrounded by talented musicians. Quite the opposite, actually. Inevitably though, when talking about BLS's music, we'll mostly focus on Zakk.

Style-wise, the tracks on 'Grimmest Hits' move in two directions. They're either punchy Heavy Metal songs with an intense sound and fast tempo, or slower-tempo power ballads. Rhythmically, there are plenty of patterns backing up the songs' development. The element that puts these songs a cut above is the sound of Zakk's guitar. On the heavy tracks the sound outdoes anything else you've ever heard. Dual EMG pickups, distorted amps, and the ability to hear every single note played crystal clear will take you on a trip to the wildest — Wylde-est — country there is. On the calmer tracks, we get a mix of cleaner acoustic guitars, with standout solo sections of "sweetly" distorted sounds.

As for the vocals, Zakk sticks to his classic, authentic style. Melodies that climb to high frequencies with plenty of grit when he wants to bring the intensity, and others that "come down" quite a bit on the record's ballads.

Behind the record

The record was recorded by Panworkz Inc., while distribution rights were given to Spinefarm Records.

Editor’s Choice: ‘A Love Unreal’

For me, the track was love at first listen! It kicks off soft, with the intro performed on classical guitar. The clarity of the sound is huge and the production so top-notch that you can actually make out the distinct tone of the nylon strings on the classical guitar! Thematically the track is a love song, since it talks about a love so wonderful that it's ultimately deemed unreal. But beyond the subject matter, the song is extremely dynamic. Heavy sound with plenty of sexy riffs that will get stuck in your head. And all of that combined with Zakk's signature vocal tone. Another thing that grabs your attention is the video clip, where the figure of the Grim Reaper gets into… some very human adventures.

‘This world and all that there is
I’ll give it to you, all to you
Hand me your love and all that you are
Could you promise me, as I promised you’

But before we get to that, there are plenty of honorable mentions! ‘A Love Unreal’ may have taken the crown, but not by much. Tracks like ‘Trampled Down Below’, ‘Disbelief’, ‘Room of Nightmares’ and ‘All that once Shinned’ is worth mentioning from the album.

Zakk keeps going unstoppable

I don't think we're in a position to say that there are many guitarists who resemble the frontman of Black Label Society. Not just because of technical and musical quality. His technique on the guitar is undeniable and his style is one of a kind. However, the Zakk stands out for other reasons too. He's one of the last Rock Heroes left on the music scene. With his imposing presence, he brings to mind a Viking, something that stands out when he's up on stage too.

The Black Label Society stay true to their musical style. This southern heavy metal style is excellent and tremendously dynamic. The ‘Grimmest Hits' comes to add yet another successful album to the band's long journey and, of course, another feather in the cap of the many ventures that Zakk Wylde is involved in (among them the musical instruments and amplifiers company Wylde, the clothing line, and even the custom coffee blends!).

What are you waiting for? Fire it Up!