Black Label Society

The legendary American rock band Black Label Society was formed in late nineties in Los Angeles. Its founder and constant leader Zakk Wylde established a reputation of the talented musician and virtuosic guitarist, and Black Label Society’s creativity proves that perfectly.

The band’s debut studio work Sonic Brew was issued in 1999. That record attracted attention in no time due to its strong sound and Zakk’s incredible Southern rock style solos. However, Black Label Society’s following albums were even heavier: the aggressive composition Lost My Better Half made Wylde want to work in that direction. The second long play Stronger Than Death appeared in 2000 and was critically acclaimed and enjoyed by the fans.

In 2001 Black Label Society released the live album Alcohol Fueled Brewtality Live!! +5, recorded at the night club The Troubadour in Los Angeles. That album managed to preserve the atmosphere of the show, presenting its energy. In 2002 the studio work 1919 Eternal was released. Five songs from that long play Zakk had written for Ozzy Osbourne’s album Down To Earth (2001), however Ozzy rejected them, noting that these compositions were in Black Label Society style. Thus, Bleed For Me, Life/Birth/Blood/Doom, Demise Of Sanity and the famous ballad Bridge To Cross were presented in 1919 Eternal. It was followed by The Blessed Hellride, including not only traditional heavy songs, but also several softer compositions like The Blessed Hellride and Dead Meadow.

In 2004 Black Label Society’s discography was enlarged by Hangover Music Vol. VI, which reminded of Zakk’s first solo album Book of Shadows (1996) due to its softer sound. The studio work Mafia (2005) turned out to be one of the band’s most successful works, and the song In This River from that long play was dedicated to Wylde’s friend Dimebag Darrell, who died in 2004. In 2005 the compilation album Kings Of Damnation 98–04, including four Zakk’s songs that had never been played by Black Label Society was released. The seventh studio attempt Shot To Hell appeared in 2006 and it got fair reviews from musical critics.

In 2009 the musicians released the amazing compilation album Skullage, including the band’s best songs, created during the whole Black Label Society’s history. The rockers’ new studio attempt Order Of The Black was issued in 2010. Order Of The Black proved to be extremely strong: the musicians presented their signature powerful sound, well accompanied by Zakk’s incredible solos. There is absolutely no doubt that Order Of The Black will be enjoyed both by the band’s old fans and by all the heavy music lovers.