Released: Aug 10, 2010
Genre: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
Label: E1 Music, Roadrunner
Number Of Tracks: 13
Zakk Wylde's riff work seems to have been injected with new life on the latest Black Label Society release Order of the Black.
Order Of The BlackFeatured review by: UG Team, on august 13, 2010 8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Sound: Thanks to prior commitments like Ozzy Osbourne’s Black Rain, four years have passed since Zakk Wylde has unleashed an all new collection of pinch-harmonic goodness via Black Label Society. While the previous BLS release Skullage was lacking in some areas, the newest release Order of the Black proves that Wylde still can dish out stellar riffs – every once in awhile with a fresh twist. Let’s not go as far as to say that there is much out of character on Order of the Black, but the arrangements do tend to have some surprises along the way. To top it all off, there is one highly intriguing instrumental that doesn’t feature Wylde’s trusty electric or piano.
The CD begins with a down-tuned, infectious number called “Crazy Horse,” which just oozes a tight groove. Wylde’s trademark vocal style is always the connecting line between each BLS song, and the “Aaaahhh yeaaahhh” that he utters in each chorus makes “Crazy Horse” easily memorable. Even more intriguing is the following track “Overlord,” which begins with some delicious use of the wah. The song even takes an interesting turn smack dab in the middle when the tempo is sped up, eventually returning to its original slower groove. Other highlights include the Hendrix-like intro of “Black Sunday” and the pinch harmonic extravaganza in “Riders of the Damned.”
Order of the Black has its fare share of what you might call standard Zakk Wylde balladry. The guitar master is fond of switching to his piano for the more heartfelt, mellow numbers, and the newest release is no different. The up-tempo tracks do seem to have a bit more of a distinctive quality in terms of the musical foundation, but at the same time you get the impression that Wylde is indeed speaking from the heart as soon as he sits down to play the keys.
The most unexpected surprise comes with “Chupacabra.” What sounds like it is tailor-made to be a furious metal piece is actually more of a flamenco offering. The instrumental is certainly rooted in classical guitar methods, but it’s more spastic than most acoustic pieces you might hear. It’s short and sweet in the end, but it’s engaging from beginning to finish. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Wylde’s lyrics tend to fall into two different categories as usual: the heavier music accompanied by gritty, often bigger-than-life themes and the ballads being more introspective. Whether he is declaring himself to be a “Crazy Horse” or discussing otherworldly topics like those in “War of Heaven,” Wylde – at the very least – delves into unique ideas that don’t get tossed around on every album. The songwriter pens his most honest, personal content in the ballads, however, so that ends up being the biggest payoff lyrically speaking. // 8
Impression: Black Label Society often tends to be hit or miss with their albums, so you never know what Wylde might have up his sleeve. Thankfully, Order of the Black features a much larger selection of memorable riffs and interesting arrangements in general. Wylde is mixing the compositions up with varied tempos and musical sections in general. While “Chupacabra” is a slightly frantic approach to classical/flamenco guitar, it’s still one of the most fascinating tracks on the CD. In fact, it might just be a preview of the unexpected territory that Wylde will be exploring in the future. // 8
Order Of The Black
Reviewed by:
colm c, on september 15, 2010 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Metal tunes washed down with a healthy dose of Rock n Roll sensibilities! What more could you ask for. Black Labels' new offering is a huge improvement on 2006s' Shot To Hell and a return to form for Zakk Wylde. Chunky guitar tone, frantic solo work, catchy sing along choruses coupled with driving bass work and heavy hitting drums. Its a sonic assault but with variety Zakk really knows when to slow it down and break out the piano. The whole album flows well and its kept my attention quite well. All in all its definitely Zakk Wylde but its a more convincing performance in song writing and its a cracking album. // 7
Lyrics and Singing: Zakk is always a point of contest whether its his vocal style or his blatant love of pentatonics which is in question. He tailored the band from the beginning to his specifications so he slots into into it as the lynchpin. He just is the music here, its a musical incarnation of a good damn time! He is sounding better than ever and the vocal harmony work is done tastefully and really shows just how well the songs are thought out. // 8
Impression: This is a return to form for Zakk and the Boys and its a welcome addition to my collection especially after Shot To Hell was so disappointing. The riffing is great, the songs move well, its varied and you wont be looking at your watch! Its good time music and that one of the problems. I can't see this becoming a classic or anything.. Black Label just seems like that one great party. Try to replicate it and it's just not gonna be as good! Check this out definitely but really The Blessed Hellride is the seminal record. // 7
Order Of The Black
Reviewed by:
DethbyChocolate, on september 03, 2010 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: How does Zakk Wylde improve perfection? With Order of the Black! This album wreaks of Black Label riffage, and solos, while avoiding stale. Aside from the shredding, there are a number of tracks which Zakk brings out his inner Elton John with wonderful piano licks, and ballads in songs such as "The Shallow Grave." Also, Mr.Wylde shows his flamenco techniques in a song called "Chupacabra." Yet amidst the softer material, the band didn't forget its metal roots. With songs such as "Crazy Horse," and "Parade of the Dead," they satisfy their vast metal audiance once again. This is a must have for Black Label fans, both old and new! // 10
Lyrics and Singing: The vocals are classic Black Label. As mentioned before, Zakk brings out his softer side in both music, and singing. The vocals seem a bit more melodic then previous efforts. Other then that, there aren't any really substantial differences in his singing, which in this case, is a plus. // 9
Impression: The album was far from a let-down. While broadening their horizons, they still manage to write great metal riffs. I admit, I was skeptical at first (considering his back ground), but the new drummer really brings a lot to the table. You can really feel, and hear the dedication put into this album. // 9
Order Of The Black
Reviewed by:
Mosh101, on august 31, 2010 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: It’s been four years since Black Label Society released an album, and for some it has been a long time; no less for Zakk Wylde – who in that time has seen his life change in regards to his personal health and musical prowess as the right hand man of Ozzy Osbourne. Fortunately, neither of these factors has played a damaging role in what can only be described as the mighty re-birthing of arguably one of the greatest guitarists and musicians of our generation.
In Order of the Black, there is a healthy balance and chemistry between the two creative sides which have characterised Black Label Society for over a decade; one is the embodiment of the band which is of pure brutality and the other is the opposite, wherein the musical style drifts elegantly through ballads of retrospect and insight. However, it is also worth note that on this album (like others) there is a welcome instalment of what Zakk Wylde can also produce on an acoustic guitar with the same fundamental ideas he portrays on his electric guitar with the track, ‘Chupacabra’.
The album begins as emphatically as you would expect with a title such as ‘Crazy Horse’, which follows with the typically domineering style that is incorporated within ‘Overlord’, these songs are certainly a welcome throw back to albums such as 1919 Eternal and Stronger than Death. The album continues to impress with the blistering guitar work contained within ‘Parade of the dead’ and then takes a refreshing U-turn by slowing the pace entirely with the track ‘Darkest Days’, this formula continues throughout and it would seem that there is no middle ground within this structure, which could be considered one of it’s downfalls in that there is no compromise between the musical styles within a song.
The album itself is extremely well produced; there is a beautiful distinction between each instrument and vocal track, giving it a sense of purpose and musical direction that is often over looked, especially in the case of ‘Shallow Grave’, where there is a rich tapestry of wonderfully created harmonies and every note having a defining effect on how the song feels.
A critique of this album would be that the album is following a set routine and doesn’t stray too far in the way these songs are created, there is nothing that pulls away from the expected especially in terms of the guitar solo’s - but then one could also look at this and see that it is also a positive. As they say ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Lyrically, Zakk Wylde has always added either a note of sentiment or hidden meaning within his songs; the latter of which often leaves the listener taking their own theories or ideals. The unfortunate truth in his case, however, is that many listeners may feel his talents lie with his guitar and piano, and at times it’s not hard to see why as some songs amble on recycling topics that have been of interest in his previous work. His true genius shines through primarily in the softer songs where there is a deeper emphasis on the lyrical input such as in ‘Time Waits for No One’.
There is no fault with the correlation between the music and lyrics because they are crafted for their purpose and serve the song well, the themes themselves keep within the typical parameters of the band and revolve around the familiar sentiments of previous albums and so it would seem as though the evolution in this aspect of his song writing has not really changed. // 6
Impression: There is definitely a good vibe from this album that hasn’t been felt for a long time, whether this has anything to do with Black Label Society being Zakk Wylde’s priority now is a speculative argument, but with this showing it might not be far from the truth.
The problem with this band is that they never take a step in to the un-chartered; this is a double edged blade in that it is satisfactory for some people but in others they feel they should expect more from someone who could deliver more.
I personally feel that Zakk Wylde’s guitar playing is more explosive and dynamic than it has been for a while, the guitar work has the sense of refinement you would expect and the songs are generally structured rather well.
I wouldn’t go as far to say this could be considered album of the year but nonetheless it is still a brilliant album and would be welcomed in many people’s CD collection. // 8
They've done well here. I personally liked the fact that they kept the ballds to a fair number allowing for more heavy riffing, and the feature of standard E tuning is a welcome suprise.
I'd also like to add that the sound production (especially guitars & drums) are WAY better than the previous album.
Zakk has one of the sickest guitartones on this album.
I like it!
I'm sorry, maybe being a fan of everything Zakk has done since No Rest for the Wicked makes me incredibly biased, but this is one of the greatest albums I've ever heard.
Not to mention the fact that it's miles ahead of Shot To Hell, and should leave Ozzy facepalming.
I'd also like to add that the sound production (especially guitars & drums) are WAY better than the previous album.
i agree. there's a nice amount of lower frequencies as well as a nice balance of mid and high frequencies. the panning was do a lot better as well.
Zakk has one of the sickest guitartones on this album.
I like it!
This album is beast. It has the hard hitting riffs Zakk is famous for, as well as slower stuff. I love it as much as I love all the older stuff. I even like it as much as Funeral Bell and Stillborn, which is damn hard to top.
From what the reviewer says Chupacabra sounds like Speedball from 1919 Eternal, and i think there was a similar one on Sonic Brew....if thats so its hardly breaking new ground for BLS
From what the reviewer says Chupacabra sounds like Speedball from 1919 Eternal, and i think there was a similar one on Sonic Brew....if thats so its hardly breaking new ground for BLS
yeah it sounds similar to T.A.Z.
just finished listening to the full album and its definitely one of their better albums. They have a lot of energy on this one.
LOVE this album. I still don't think he can top Last Goodbye from Shot to Hell in terms of balladry but I like some of em. Those riffalicious songs like Parade of the Dead are on my workout playlist. As for Chupacabra, deep down, I knew Zakk was Puerto Rican lol
I snuck into town about 26 miles away to get this record. It was well worth it. Probably the best record this year..it sure as hell kicks the **** outta "Scream"
when UG posted the song list i predicted that Chupacabra was one of his crazy acoustic things like Speedball, I guess i know Zakk oh so well. Can't wait to see the boss in october with COB
For real, this report is a bit critical i think!"Black Label Society often tends to be hit or miss with their albums" COME ON!!! tell me a bls album that sucked!
there is no! -.-'
but back to the topic! order of the black is different from the other one's before! true! it's kickass! it's BLS with more drive!!! the sound acctually changed, there are no more a blast of pinched harmonics in every song and the berserker overload atomsphere is a bit gone (se 1919 eternal!) but it delivers that f*cking blast of heavyness in form of drive! it's realy a wrecking machine! different to the other albums but ! a wreckingmachine!
great work on this album!!! i love it!
Best Album of the summer baby!! sooooo good, no boring tracks or skip halfway tracks just amazing stuff. gotta love overlord, godspeed hellbound and crazy horse and parade of the dead and ( i was gonna make a joke and list the whole album but im too lazy, you get my point)
sorry but bls just dont write good songs ,great guitar ,i dont have a problem with the vocals but they just aint good songs ,you can be a great guitarist a great singer but if you cant write decent songs you will always fall short.
I'LL BET OZZY IS SHITTIN IN HIS PANTS AFTER THIS IF HE WOULD HAVE INVOLVED ZAKK MORE IN THE WRITING PROCESS INSTEAD OF HIS PRODUCERS HE MIGHT BE ABLE TO CHURN OUT A DECENT ALBUM THESE DAYS ZAKK IS AWSOME AND THIS ALBUM FEELS LIKE ITS WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN AFTER THE BLESSED HELLRIDE INSTEAD OF SHOT TO HELL AND MAFIA
I haven't listened to THAT much BLS, but I might just pick this one up if its as good as everyone's saying. Oh, and they're coming here (Halifax, NS) in October. Jealous?
when UG posted the song list i predicted that Chupacabra was one of his crazy acoustic things like Speedball, I guess i know Zakk oh so well. Can't wait to see the boss in october with COB
You mean when you wrote this?
Jmoarguitar wrote:
iput money down that Godspeed Hell Bound is one of his acoustic shreds
IMa damn big wylde fan but i was getting alittle jaded with his work till this came out im psyched about B.L.S. again this album is awesome i think hes done better ballads but its still kicks ass over the stuff he's done with ozzy over the last couple years
THIS F$#CKING ALBUM IS INSANE!! Listen I am a 28 year old male and been playing guitar for 22 years. I am extremely opinionated in everything I hear. I have to say this album is seriously flawless!! To the person that said ozzy is facepalming right now, couldnt have said it better. I love ozzy, and Gus G is definitely respectable, but, he isnt Zakk. And Zakk just proved it. Zakks riffs on these songs are seriously the best hes done since Blessed Hellride and 1919 Eternal. Mafia was great but in my opinion the riffage was slightly better on the other two records.
Ok before I go into a ramble. I think we all have to tip our hats to Zakk here. Fan or not, you have to admit, musically this is this years best Metal record to date. To all the people that thought Zakk was done.....SDMF Mutha Fu%*as!!!
Sounds like another great release by the pinch harmonic machine that is Zakk Wylde. Honestly beyond his chops and the overall greatness of the band as a whole, BLS do something that I think is what makes music and being a musician so enjoyable: the ability to completely shape someone's mood. Think about it, how awesome is it to watch people go bat shit crazy over a couple of notes played on your guitar? I feel like that must be the most gratifying feeling ever and BLS are one of the few bands that really do that for me. Can't wait to check this out.
Sounds like another shite release by the pinch harmonic whore that is Zakk Wylde. Honestly beyond his mediocrity and the overall blandness of the band as a whole, BLS do something that I think is what makes music and being a musician so utterly pointless in this department: the ability to completely bore me. Think about it, how silly is it to watch people go bat shit crazy over a couple of pinch harmonics played on your guitar? I feel like that must be the most bittersweet and absurd feeling ever and BLS are one of the few bands that really do that for me. Can't wait to not check this out. SQQQUUUUUEEEEE
zakk is such a loser... not only does he get fired by Ozzy Osbourne for his drinking problems but he also never progresses as a musician... there is no reason to have the same squeals and same pentatonic scales just played really fast over and over... everything is so generic and boring... zakk should go squeal and drink him self in some back woods shack in banjo country..
It does get a bit boring listening to the same solos in every song... Its a great album though. I still think 1919 is the best. love the deep singing in that album.
I listened to Crazy Horse. I like to think that Zakk Wylde died in 1994 or something so I can pretend that the guy disappointing me in 2K10 is not the same Zakk I used to think was bangin'.
Sounds like another shite release by the pinch harmonic ***** that is Zakk Wylde. Honestly beyond his mediocrity and the overall blandness of the band as a whole, BLS do something that I think is what makes music and being a musician so utterly pointless in this department: the ability to completely bore me. Think about it, how silly is it to watch people go bat shit crazy over a couple of pinch harmonics played on your guitar? I feel like that must be the most bittersweet and absurd feeling ever and BLS are one of the few bands that really do that for me. Can't wait to not check this out. SQQQUUUUUEEEEE
fixed for objectivity
Great gob being a total jerk-off. He likes what he likes and you put him down? No, really, you're pretty cool. Have fun being an *******.
illuminatiano i bet you listen to that pussy assed power metal that those euro douche bags like gus g turn out i find it sad for u that u have to put down some one whos devoted his life to his fans if ya dont like zakk then why read a review and leave a shitty comment maybe the journey or winger sections needs your ass hole opinion but we sdmfers dont so next time turn on your firewind cd and turn out your lights and cry because youll never be as coll as us black label society members zakk wylde is the cat ass your just the litter box where he drops his pinch harmonic loaded "shite"
rg metal man my last post should clear some things up but just to clarify for the weak opinions are like ass holes everyones got one some just stink worse than others zakk is the man an youll be his bitch punk assed reason for turning out another pich harmonic filled penatonic slab of brewtality
Sounds like another shite release by the pinch harmonic ***** that is Zakk Wylde. Honestly beyond his mediocrity and the overall blandness of the band as a whole, BLS do something that I think is what makes music and being a musician so utterly pointless in this department: the ability to completely bore me. Think about it, how silly is it to watch people go bat shit crazy over a couple of pinch harmonics played on your guitar? I feel like that must be the most bittersweet and absurd feeling ever and BLS are one of the few bands that really do that for me. Can't wait to not check this out. SQQQUUUUUEEEEE
fixed for objectivity
Jeez man why don't you go under your bridge you ****in little troll? Write your own damn things don't change my stuff, you're not clever, you're just a little ****
One of the better BLS albums. A great, solid album right here folks! I really love it, and am very happy for Mr. Wylde. All you Zakk haters, please fall into a large ditch full of piss and feces.
BLS c*cks... if you want to counter argue at least know how to spell "you" and a whole array of elementary level words that a 3 year old can spell perfectly. so every one of you are incompetent to type anything worth reading apparently... BLS fans don't have any education
This *SQUEEE* album *SQUEEE* was *SQUEEE* pretty *SQUEEE* bland.
Hand Of Stone wrote:
illuminatiano wrote:
LightxGrenade wrote:
Sounds like another shite release by the pinch harmonic ***** that is Zakk Wylde. Honestly beyond his mediocrity and the overall blandness of the band as a whole, BLS do something that I think is what makes music and being a musician so utterly pointless in this department: the ability to completely bore me. Think about it, how silly is it to watch people go bat shit crazy over a couple of pinch harmonics played on your guitar? I feel like that must be the most bittersweet and absurd feeling ever and BLS are one of the few bands that really do that for me. Can't wait to not check this out. SQQQUUUUUEEEEE
fixed for objectivity
Great gob being a total jerk-off. He likes what he likes and you put him down? No, really, you're pretty cool. Have fun being an *****.
no really have fun listening to squells instead of music
illuminatiano i bet you listen to that pussy assed power metal that those euro douche bags like gus g turn out i find it sad for u that u have to put down some one whos devoted his life to his fans if ya dont like zakk then why read a review and leave a shitty comment maybe the journey or winger sections needs your ass hole opinion but we sdmfers dont so next time turn on your firewind cd and turn out your lights and cry because youll never be as coll as us black label society members zakk wylde is the cat ass your just the litter box where he drops his pinch harmonic loaded "shite"
Hah, you know, alot of power metal is more complex, has better lyrics, and all the musicians shit and yes, SHIT on zakk *pinch* wylde. gus g absoulutley wrecks ZW in every way. Im not Gus fanboy, but I do like him, and Wylde and his whole career pail in comparison to any power metal. sorry to tell you.
You know you're a dick when you go to an album review and shit all over the band just because you don't like them. I realize Zakk Wylde loves pinch harmonics but this album actually has some good use of them at least in Parade of the Dead.
Arguing with trolls is pointless though because we all know they get off to pissing people off
Couldn't get into this album that much I hate to be jaded but this sounds like his other days since Mafia. Zakk seems to be in a comfort zone refusing to try new things...im tired of the pentatonic minors and shredding
BLS c*cks... if you want to counter argue at least know how to spell "you" and a whole array of elementary level words that a 3 year old can spell perfectly. so every one of you are incompetent to type anything worth reading apparently... BLS fans don't have any education
I do beg to differ sir. You may not be one of the fans of BLS or Zakk Wylde, but many (including myself) are.
Granted, BLS is not the technically gifted un-listenable cacophony of dissonant chords, lightning fast scale runs and off beat breakdowns of bands such as Converge, Botch, and The Dillinger escape Plan but it is nevertheless enjoyable to a lot of people. At the end of the day, if you do not like a band then do not read the reviews of their work. Simple.
If all that your little mind can muster is posting derogatory comments about the band and all of its fans rather than actually being critical and explaining intelligently why you think this album is bad, then it is actually you that is incompetent and uneducated.
Good day to you!
Every song could be a single, (cept the solo piano tunes). BLS is back and strong, Zakk's pinch harmonics are ever prevalent, and the riffs kick ass. Zerkers raise your fists.
BLS c*cks... if you want to counter argue at least know how to spell "you" and a whole array of elementary level words that a 3 year old can spell perfectly. so every one of you are incompetent to type anything worth reading apparently... BLS fans don't have any education
I do beg to differ sir. You may not be one of the fans of BLS or Zakk Wylde, but many (including myself) are.
Granted, BLS is not the technically gifted un-listenable cacophony of dissonant chords, lightning fast scale runs and off beat breakdowns of bands such as Converge, Botch, and The Dillinger escape Plan but it is nevertheless enjoyable to a lot of people. At the end of the day, if you do not like a band then do not read the reviews of their work. Simple.
If all that your little mind can muster is posting derogatory comments about the band and all of its fans rather than actually being critical and explaining intelligently why you think this album is bad, then it is actually you that is incompetent and uneducated.
Good day to you!
rg metal man my last post should clear some things up but just to clarify for the weak opinions are like ass holes everyones got one some just stink worse than others zakk is the man an youll be his bitch punk assed reason for turning out another pich harmonic filled penatonic slab of brewtality
This drives me to the conclusion that eugenics must be brought back.
rg metal man my last post should clear some things up but just to clarify for the weak opinions are like ass holes everyones got one some just stink worse than others zakk is the man an youll be his bitch punk assed reason for turning out another pich harmonic filled penatonic slab of brewtality
This drives me to the conclusion that eugenics must be brought back.
I'm sorry, maybe being a fan of everything Zakk has done since No Rest for the Wicked makes me incredibly biased, but this is one of the greatest albums I've ever heard.
Not to mention the fact that it's miles ahead of Shot To Hell, and should leave Ozzy facepalming.
Easily the best song on the album. That and Shallow Grave. Zakk is back and ready to take the world over. He doesn't get enough credit for keeping classic metal alive. It's a great meld of modern metal and classic...but nonetheless it keeps the soul of 80's metal.
BLS c*cks... if you want to counter argue at least know how to spell "you" and a whole array of elementary level words that a 3 year old can spell perfectly. so every one of you are incompetent to type anything worth reading apparently... BLS fans don't have any education
Okay you obtuse swallower of emotionally backwards,goth wannabe teen's semen. If you want to trash talk the doom crew because of the spelling mistakes,fine but remember this,while your at home listening to culture club or whatever uptight jack-holes like you listen to whilst suckling your mothers breast, the doom crew will be outside screwin your woman on your car, said crew of sdmf's from whatever chapter happens to be nearest at the given time will most likely crank this album as loud as possible while trashing your house dime style, crown royal,coke,a couple of fatties, and a sh*t load of fireworks. GETCHA PULL B*TCH! R.I.P DIME!
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