Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Black Label Society - The Blessed Hellride - Spitfire Records 2003 reviewed by: Chaoslord

Track Listing 1.STONED AND DRUNK 2.DOOMSDAY JESUS 3.STILLBORN 4.SUFFERING OVERDUE 5.THE BLESSED HELLRIDE 6.FUNERAL BELL 7.FINAL SOLUTION 8.DESTRUCTION OVERDRIVE 9.WE LIVE NO MORE 10.DEAD MEADOW

Well another CD that I was anxiously awaiting to be released this year.

All of the pre-release hype I heard about this CD had me salivating like a rabid dog. I heard that it was supposed to be heavier and more brutal than the previous Black Label CD. When I popped the disc into my player, I was starting to agree with the hype, but as the CD progressed I realized that it wasn't quite as heavy as "1919 Eternal". However, I feel that it is just as good if not better.

Zakk just fucking wails on that guitar and there are enough pinched harmonics and bends to make Yngwie jealous. The drumming borders on blast beats at times and makes the CD that much better. If that wasn't enough, Ozzy Osbourne lends his vocals to at least one possibly two tracks. He is given credit on one track for sure, but there is another where it sounds like he is singing as well. If it isn't him then Zakk has gotten Ozzy's sound down pat.

The vocals are the only thing that some people might not like about this CD. A lot of people give Zakk a lot of shit and to all those people I say you get up there and play the guitar like Zakk, otherwise Fuck Off. This is a good CD and you should pick it up if you are a fan of Zakk Wylde or any hard rocking stuff.


--Chaoslord 7.7.03