Black Label Society
Shot To Hell

The Black Label Society seems not to want to leave their fans alone for even a year. That's why even in 2006, Zakk Wylde and his companions wanted to leave their mark. “Shot To Hell” is an album that doesn’t surprise, but doesn't disappoint either.

It doesn't surprise because the style on the 7th album is always the same (8th if you consider 'King Of Damnation', a collection of their hits from '98 to '04), a hard rock with raw instruments and incredible riffs, Zakk's trademark. Osbourne's school anyway, who does not actively collaborate as a singer on this work but his presence is found in every album of the Black Label Society. The themes addressed do not differ from the old ones, or at least not from the previous “Mafia”. If there was a definite break between “The Blessed Hellride” and “Hangover Music Vol. IV”, in this case, there is continuity of critique against religion (as the title may suggest) and a description of love as something anguishing, painful. A typically metal love.

But let's analyze the tracks well. Concrete Jungle is the second single released. It's a start that reminds of Fire It Up, the first track of “Mafia”. In any case, energetic, hard, rasping, in which the characteristics that will define the whole CD are immediately recognized. Black Mass Reverends recalls Lords of destruction from the album “1919 Eternal”, although it is decidedly shorter and the theme is completely different. Not an exceptional piece. Blacked Out World sounds a bit repetitive at first, but actually stands out from the crowd. It's the first real song of the CD, original in every aspect. The Last Goodbye is decidedly calmer. In my opinion, it's also the most beautiful song on the CD because it offers unique emotions, as well as a wonderful guitar solo in the finale. There’s a reprise (much better done) of “Hangover Music Vol IV”. Give Yourself To Me is decidedly repetitive, boring, just passable. Nothing's the Same is a ballad. Each BLS ballad is made special by the constant use of the keyboard (totally absent in the other songs), a marked change of voice tone made surely original (although not necessarily beautiful) by Zakk's gritty voice. Overall, however, a beautiful song.

Hell Is High is the first single released. A fast song, which almost makes you want to dance. Not bad, although the repeated shouts continue to characterize the entire CD. New Religion is a new thing: in all the other albums there was always an instrumental track, often dedicated to Zakk Wylde's incredible guitar skills. In this album, instead, space is left for the keyboard, as if to underline that it is not a kick-ass CD like the previous one, but that it wants to be more balanced (but, WARNING, not commercial). Moreover, the instrumental part is immediately connected to the actual song, beautiful as well. Sick Of It All is another ballad, which seems almost a photocopy of the previous one. "Faith is Blind" is perhaps the best song overall. Pure energy, with a pressing rhythm, although the solo reminds a bit of the old ones. Excellent sudden rhythm changes, one of the characteristics I prefer about BLS. Blood Is Thicker Than Water is another ballad, also tends to be underlined. Devil's Dime doesn't leave a mark… monotonous. Lead Me To Your Door is yet another ballad. Perhaps the best one, and it definitely reminds of “Hangover Music Vol IV”.

Overall, for being the 7th CD, and considering that BLS's albums come out with the frequency of a year, it is very good. At this point, just wait for 2007 for the next work!