Band: Black Label Society
Album title: Order Of The Black
Label: Roadrunner Records
Distributor: CNR
Release date: 20/08/2010
Release: CD

Black Label Society is a blues/groove/metal band formed by legendary guitar player Zakk Wylde. Formed in the early 1990s, Wylde formed his own solo project called Pride & Glory, playing a mixture of bluesy rock combined with metal and southern rock elements (just like Black Label Society now). But after one album, they disbanded in December 1994. After some solo stuff, Wylde and drummer Phil Ondich recorded what became Black Label Society's debut album called Sonic Brew. And with a little help from Nick Catanese (guitar) and John Deservio (bass) the band was set to go out en rock.

Although all skillful musicians, the band got more popular, known and more attention due to Zakk’s “side project” which had him being the lead guitar player for the one and only Prince Of Darkness Ozzy Osbourne.

Having already 7 albums with this band under his belt and numerous more with Ozzy, it’s hard to call this album original. Don’t get me wrong; it’s a solid album, produced well, lots of cool typical B.L.S. riffs/ licks and tricks, but unfortunately nothing really new or mind blowing. Nice for fans, but for the rest maybe something you don’t want to pick up at the store.

71/100

Jeroen.