After 4 years since the latest (not very inspired as far as I am concerned) release of Black Label Society, the infamous guitarist Zakk Wylde is back with the 8^th full length album of his band entitled “ Order Of The Black”, now dismissed from his obligations with Ozzy, which have been taken over by “our own” Gus G. 

After the first hearing of the album, the first thing that comes to mind is that finally it seems that after all Zakk should probably leave Ozzy, in order to regain his writing ability and creativity. Even though “Mafia” of 2005 was a pretty good album, “Shot To Hell” which followed in 2006 was a disappointing and weak release. I am very glad to say that this is not the case at all with “Order Of The Black”. On the contrary,  Zakk is here to prove us that he has not lost his ability in composing monumental  riffs. There is also a new member in the band, drummer Will Hunt who has recently replaced Craig Nunemacher. 

After the first tunes of the powerful opener “Crazy Horse” we immediately realize we have to do with a song that has all the necessary ingredients of a classic BLS track. The groovie “Overlord” comes next and it is followed by “Parade Of The Dead”, a song full of dynamic riffs and incredible solos. After this outbreaking start with 3 songs total dynamites, the pace slows down with the beautiful piano driven ballad “Darkest days”. Among other great songs are “Black Sunday” and “Godspeed Hellbound”, in which we find a couple of the best riffs that I bet Ozzy would be really delighted to have had in his discography of at least the last 15 years. The well known pitch harmonics, a trademark of Zakk’s guitar playing, are more than obvious all over the album and he knows he does it well. If there is a drawback to observe in this release, that would be the large amount of ballads (4 in total). It doesn’t mean that they are bad, on the contrary, especially the most dynamic among them, the guitar driven “Shallow Grave , as well as the sentimental and piano driven “Darkest Days”, which are in my opinion among the best he has ever written. Still, I would say that 2 ballads would be more than enough for one album.A very interesting moment is the less than a minute (precisely 49 seconds) duration- acoustic flamenco instrumental “Chupacabra”, which is followed by the typical, but still powerful BLS track “ Riders Of The Damned”. 

Concisely, the new album of BLS is definitely among their best, including fresh and long lost creative ideas, and an also long lost enthusiasm. Another thing I noticed, which I don’t know if it is just my impression, is that their compositions are now a click closer to the more classic heavy sound, of course without losing their individual character. If you were never fond of the special southern-sabbath-like style of Black Label Society, this release is not very likely to raise your interest now. But for all of you who have at least one of their albums in your possession, it is certain that you will be totally satisfied.