Black Label Society founding member Zakk Wylde first came to prominence in the late ’80s at the tender age of 21 when he was chosen by heavy metal legend turned reality TV star Ozzy Osbourne to be his writing partner and lead guitarist. After a decade spent in Ozzy’s shadow Wylde branched out on his own with what would become known as the Black Label Society. Formed out of the remnants of Wylde’s bluesy southern rock side project Pride & Glory which had disbanded in 1994 after one record, Black Label Society released their debut album Sonic Brew in 1998 within two years of Wylde’s first ever solo acoustic record Book of Shadows from 1996. After 20 years and numerous personnel changes multi-instrumentalist Wylde remains the one constant and driving force behind Black Label Society. Recorded and mixed at The Black Vatican in Los Angeles, California, their latest album, the deceptively titled Grimmest Hits (the record is neither a compilation of previously recorded material nor is it a collection of so-called “hit” songs) is the band’s 10th album in 20 years. A balls-to-the-wall riff bashing groove-fest Grimmest Hits is sure to satiate rockers of all ages who dig melody and lyrics along with heaps of heavy hooks and swaggering guitars. The casual listener should not be put off by the heavy metal trappings often associated with both the marketing and branding of BLS. Despite the fact that the Grim Reaper features prominently in the packaging and artwork accompanying Grimmest Hits, old time blues based southern rock riffs still remain at the heart of much of Wylde’s music (as witnessed by the album’s three ballads The Only Words, The Day That Heaven Had Gone Away and Nothing Left To Say). Highly recommended for fans of Queens Of The Stone Age and other millennial hard rock acts. All labels aside, Black Label Society are without question a hard edged American rock ‘n’ roll band of the finest order.
Rating: 7.5/10
Star rating: 3/5
2018 Song Of The Day Club Album Review: 8/52