PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Black Label Society’s last offering, “Order Of The Black” was released back in August 2010, I had to double check that date, as I did not think it was so long ago, having the aforementioned always in the cd player really does help time fly.
On April the 8th Black Label Society drop their latest offering “Catacombs Of The Black Vatican” onto an unsuspecting world, I say unsuspecting because if you have not heard this promo version then you will have no idea just how good this is, this makes “Sonic Brew” sound like a bad demo.
This album has everything fans have come to love about Black Label Society. Heavy, deep distorted guitars plus Wylde’s chunky, chugging riffs as well as his insane soloing. But it is not all about the power and speed of Zakk’s playing here, there are also some melodic moments, a dab of Grunge as well as blues infused with a delicate piano, which may take the casual fan by surprise and hopefully convert them fully into the way of the BLS.
The first three tracks on Catacombs of the Black Vatican are the standard BLS styled heavy rock tracks that we have come to expect, only better. Gone are the ‘not always necessary’ harmonic twiddling, to be replaced by good old fashioned power chords. In fact track two “My Dying Time” is the lead single, the video for it is below. Track number three ‘Believe’ will have you reaching for the replay button, that little bit too soon. But don’t do it, stick with it, as this album only improves.
“Angel of Mercy” is the first of the mellower track’s on here, lush acoustic tones intermingle with Wylde’s heartfelt vocals make for a truly remarkable song, all helped by a mid-song stunning guitar solo.
The rampaging BLS we all love rears its bull’s head on “Heart of Darkness”, a doom/stoner styled metal track complete with snarling vocals and mean menacing grove laden riffs.
“Beyond the Dawn” is the shortest track on here, clocking in at less than three minutes, and I think it suffers because of this. I wish it was a lot longer, just for the riff alone.
‘Scars’ is a beautiful acoustic number, BLS have really excelled themselves here, working some great piano playing with a slide guitar couldn’t have been easy, but they have done it. Zakk’s emotive singing helps to carry the song and bridge the gaps, a truly wonderful song.
Back to the old school for the next track “Damn the Flood”, which feels like it should have been on the first album, a no nonsense riot of heaviness feeding off the likes of Down and Crowbar. Full of attitude complete with crunching riffs and shredding guitar solos.
The more melodic “I’ve Gone Away” still contains some serious heavy riffs while “Empty Promises” slows things down a touch, though this is more doom than rock.
Another heartfelt ballad “Shades of gray” is the final track on the album.There are no fillers on here, Zakk, along with guitarist Dario Lorina, bassist John DeServio, and drummer Chad Szeliga have made an outstanding BLS record.
The best thing about this album is that no two songs are the same. They may appear similar, though they draw influences from various sources. Yet despite this variety; the tracks seem to flow together successfully. In fact, by the end of the record you’ll be hitting the repeat button again and again.
All hail Father Wylde.
Catacombs Of The Black Vatican track list:
01.Fields of Forgiveness
02.My Dying Time
03.Believe
04.Angel of Mercy
05.Heart of Darkness
06.Beyond the Down
07.Scars
08.Damn the Flood
09.I’ve Gone Away
10.Empty Promises
11.Shades of Gray
- 10.43
