BLACK LABEL SOCIETY

DOOM CREW INC Spinefarm 8/10

Zakk Wylde is back with his band and shows that few have his capacity for roaring, burning and emoting with his vocals and guitar chops. Doom Crew Inc is a 12-track album that features great guitar duet playing courtesy of Zakk and his co-pilot Trio Lorina. Opener Set You Free is a case in point; like two prized wrestlers their solos tag each other with crazy runs and some of the best wide vibrato in hard rock today. If you hanker for a BLS speciality - a 12/8 groover - you will love Destroy & Conquer which is infectiously pounding with a head-turning half-time shift that sets up a ‘scream and burn’ fretboard frazzle-athon section. BLS have a great turn with ballads too and the gorgeous Forever And A Day shows Zakk has a fantastically smooth voice when required (killer bone dry guitar solo too). Dedicated to their touring crew (Doom Crew), the band is as strong as ever! (JS)