There’s no award for being the hardest working man in heavy metal. If there was though, we think Zakk Wylde would definitely make the shortlist. Between balancing his roles at the front of both Black Label Society and Zakk Sabbath. As well as filling Dimebag Darrell’s size eleven Chuck Taylors on the road with Pantera. The viking axeman has more plates spinning than a chef in tornado country.
That said, it’s understandable that it’s taken Black Label Society five years to release a follow up to 2021’s Doom Crew Inc. However, despite his numerous commitments, both on and off stage. Father Zakk and co. are back with their twelfth studio album, Engines of Demolition.
In Zakk’s own words, the bands latest effort is “..a sincere ride through the peaks and valleys of the last four years from start to finish, some of the highest highs and lowest lows and everything in between”. So, how does it measure up against Black Labels already expansive back catalogue?
With an intro that sounds like AC/DC on steroids. The albums opening number, Name in Blood certainly does a good job combining classic rock DNA with a bit of downtuned metal swagger. All topped off with a suitably tasty guitar solo from Wylde himself. Ticking all the boxes you’ve come to expect from a BLS track. Meaning that turning the ignition key on Engines of Demolition feels every bit as comfortable as slipping on a well worn pair of Levi’s.
Follow up song, Gatherer of Souls keeps things moving nicely in much the same vein too. Rolling along with the kind of bluesy groove that would sit easily on the tracklist of any Black Label release. As would the Sabbath-esque stomp of The Hands of Tomorrows Grave. Which throws a hearty dash of Iommi worship into Engines of Demolitions high octane mix.
Then, it’s time for Better Days & Wiser Times, one of a handful of ballads dotted throughout Engines of Demolitions running order. Which gives Zakk a chance to flex his mellow side for the first time. Serene, soulful and oozing the bearded barbarians love of Elton John and the Allman Brothers, it works pretty well too. Because as anyone who’s listened to Hangover Music Vol VI, or Unblackened will attest. The bearded New Jersey barbarian can bring a tear to the eye with the best of them.
As you reach the halfway point of Engines of Demolition, you are likely to find yourself in one of two camps though. Either the Jack Daniels is flowing and the Black Label Betty Crocker pie bake-off will be in full swing. Or, you might start to hear licks you’re sure you’ve heard before, like the bridge in Broken and Blind. Then you might start to question if you’ll remember which BLS record Above & Below was on in a few weeks time…
Not that they’re bad songs. They’re all exceptionally well executed. To the point where you can picture Wydle on stage bellowing his way through most of them. Like a can of heavy metal Ronseal, Engines of Demolition does exactly what it says on the tin. The secret sauce that set the likes of Sonic Brew and Mafia apart is nowhere near as generously slathered over the albums first half as it is the second though. That’s where the gems are hidden.
There’s Lord Humungus and its hulking main riff, underpinned by some thunderous low end from bassist, John DeServio. Followed by the four chord V8 rumble of Pedal To The Floor. Both of which are real standout tracks. No matter how much JD you get through at the bake off, we’re willing to bet The Stranger will be one you remember in the morning too. With its catchy hook and cask strength blend of of tasty pentatonic licks. Making it feel as though Black Label have saved the best for last with Engines of Demoltion.
Then, there’s the albums finale and easily its most talked about track, Ozzy’s song. We were all saddened by the Prince of Darkness’s untimely passing. None moreso than Zakk, to whom Ozzy was a bandmate, mentor and family member all rolled into one. Making lines like “I saw you yesterday, before you went away” and “Although we knew, we chose not to know” devastating on a different level. Particularly for anyone that watched Zakk and Ozzy on stage for the last time at Back to the Beginning. Where Wylde was clearly ready to carry Osbourne across broken glass if it meant getting him through his final outing. It might lack some of the pomp and rock and roll circumstance of some other recent tributes to the man himself. However, we can’t imagine a more fitting, poignant tribute or way to bring Engines of Demolition to a close.
So, wiping tears from our eyes and going back to our original conundrum- Where does Engines of Demolition find itself in BLS’s catalogue? Somewhere squarely in the middle. It has its fair share of hits. Ozzy’s Song will no doubt go on to be the soundtrack to many toasts and tributes and while It doesn’t reach the same heights as some of the bands previous efforts. It’s firing on more than enough cylinders to get across the finish line.
Released today, March 27th via Spinefarm Records, Engines of Demolition is available to buy/stream now.
For more information on Black Label Society, including their upcoming UK tour in May, you can head over to the bands official website. Or, give them a follow on social media to stay up to date on any other forthcoming announcements.
