Few moments in a man’s life can, particularly the kind of bloke that would listen to Black Label Society, it be acceptable to be sad. One such moment that every man knows is the “thumbs up” scene in Terminator 2. However I digress, returning to more melancholic pastures Zakk Wylde once again opens his heart this year with The Book Of Shadows II. Grab an extra large sized tissue because this is a sad one.
[tracklist]
- Autumn Changes
- Tears Of December
- Lay Me Down
- Lost Prayer
- Darkest Hour
- The Levee
- Eyes Of Burden
- Forgotten Memory
- Yesterday’s Tears
- Harbours Of Pity
- Sorrowed Regret
- Useless Apologies
- Sleeping Dogs
The King
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]73:00[/length]
[record_label]Spinefarm Records[/record_label]
[release_date]April 8th 2016[/release_date]
[/details]
Twenty years since we were last shown his softer side, Zakk Wylde has decided that now is once again the time return with The Book Of Shadows II. If you’re unfamiliar with this series, all mention of pinch harmonics and Herculean “waaaoaaaahhhh’s” are banned. Instead the frontman trades in his machismo persona for the more emotional but no less pertinent semi acoustic tracks. Kicking the album off the solemn “Autumn Changes” works perfectly in introducing the overall feel of the album. A slow and sweet track that surprisingly works excellently.
You would be forgiven for believing that perhaps The Book Of Shadows II might go awry compared to the songwriter’s other material however the likes of “Tears Of December” brings organs to the fore creating much of a funerary vibe. The biggest contrast on the record is the use of Wylde’s voice. Unable to hide behind the loud smoke and mirrors of Metal its stripped back approach does nothing but enhance the raw emotional feel. Reminding us Zakk has a versatile and brilliant voice that is just as tender as it can be crushing.
Made on a bedrock of blues and country the songs are simplistic without being boring.The formula might remain the same however there are some fantastic solos appearing on the record “Lay Me Down” featuring a wah played to perfection. Not to mention the soulful pentatonic noodling on “Lost Prayer” though the man does return to the more simplistic tracks “The Levee” is a more simplistic approach with the ever uplifting organs bringing to mind an almost gospel feeling. There might not be much variation throughout the record as tracks can sometimes blur into another but if you’re looking to do some biker style soul searching The Book Of Shadows II is a perfect companion. Done badly it could move into the realms of cheesy but instead the man has created an honest and no doubt cathartic outlet for some of the harder times in life.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]Known for his manliness Zakk Wylde has proved he can write manly songs about being sad whilst still being manly. Excellent song writing with honest, vulnerable emotion. Chances are if you’ve got a beard and a heart, you’ll love this.[/why]
