Whether strapped up to a guitar or sitting behind a piano, Zakk Wylde is a complete metal package in terms of what he delivers in his music and persona. Widely known for his years of work with Ozzy Osbourne, Wylde every once in a while takes a break from his guitar duties and teams up with his own band to create new tunes for Black Label Society. Early releases from the band like 1919 Eternal had a dark edge to the songs and as the years have gone and especially after the untimely loss of friend “Dimebag” Abbott, Wylde has seemed to step away from this style of metal and gone with a more mature and richer rock sound. One of the most meaningful and heartfelt tracks to come from the man adorned in black leather was his tribute to “Dimebag” called “In This River”. This was one of the songs that showed how much of a musician Wylde really is as a melodic side poured through on the piano and his vocals.
Continuing on this trend of writing music that is rich in musical ability and maybe a little more “popular”, Black Label Society has released Order of the Black just in time to be promoted on the 2010 edition of Ozzfest. The one thing that has never changed in the music of Black Label, is the signature guitar style and sound of Wylde that has won him accolades all over the world. “Parade of the Dead” served as the first single on the new release and is a decent choice as it bolsters high energy timing. Immediately following that single, Order of the Black changes gears and slows down to the piano laden track “Darkest Days”. Wylde honestly has a perfect voice for this slow style of melodic rock, but there are times the track almost touches on a Southern rock style which for me just doesn’t fit Black Label Society. Once again touching on the vast repertoire, “Overlord” starts off with a great Blues riff before leading into the driving rock rhythm. The ending of “Overlord” is kind of comical as it has Wylde singing in the voice and style of something from the 50’s or 60’s.
Looking over the track listings, most of them scream dark heavy metal is ahead, but once the music starts that style never seems to materialize and the music just has an upbeat rock sound. “Godspeed Hell Bound” is a nice example of Black Label Society putting out their version of a Thrash song. The song has a steady dose of double kick beats and driving guitars before leading into a nice breakdown that is short lived before launching back into the double beats and a signature Wylde solo. While listening to most of the tracks on Order of the Black, it becomes very evident as to how much of an integral writer Wylde is when he is playing with Ozzy as so many of the same styles and sounds show up on an album from either one. One good example is the track “War of Heaven” as the guitar of course has that signature style that would be heard anywhere Wylde is playing, but just the overall feel and sound of the track if put to Ozzy on the vocals would work. The third slow track “Shallow Grave” just seems to show Wylde has found a way to maybe express sorrow and difficult times in life through his music.
Order of The Black has many great moments and never strays from the new style of Black Label Society, but for me personally I miss the dark sound of 1919 Eternal. Musically though the new release is very solid and the slow tracks are some of the shining moments of the musical ability of Wylde. Everybody knows he is a beast of a guitar player, but these tracks show what happens when he is slowed down and pours out emotion vocally. Black Label Society-Order of the Black along with the new Ozzy release for me personally just seems like they are getting too commercial in their sound and straying too far away from the dark heavy metal that fits the persona.
Reviewed by Eric Stephens
