Zakk Wylde
Book of Shadows II

This review will be brief, very personal, and most likely some of you won't like it. I'm writing it in a moment of boredom without any kind of pretense, and I'm writing it only because I find it unfair not seeing any reviews on this little gem by good old Zakk Wylde.

Yes, Zakk Wylde. He who saw the spotlight playing in the albums and concerts of His Majesty Ozzy Osbourne, with whom he recorded excellent studio albums (No More Tears) and the successful Live At Budokan in 2002 (with Metallica's Trujillo on bass). And for those few unbelievers who do not know yet, Wylde is also the Leader of the now-famous Black Label Society, a historic band capable of mixing heavier sounds with the more classic Southern Rock, with fluctuating results but NEVER poorly executed.

But what we will talk about today is an album that deviates (almost) entirely from what was heard with the BLS. Book of Shadows II is the "sequel" to the guitarist/biker's first solo album and turns out to be an incredibly intimate album, which just like its predecessor, reveals the melancholic side of the American guitarist, showing the world once again that his love for Southern Rock is much more than a mere infatuation. The album is incredibly beautiful, very inspired, and the songs stick in your head at the very first listen. Soft compositions, but never trite or "commercial," are enriched by a warm production that highlights every single instrument, and Wylde's voice indulges in a sad and melancholic mood, without ever being sappy or forcibly melodious. I will not talk about the individual songs present because I would like any eventual reader of this review to let themselves go on this little journey offered by one of the last great true Guitar Heroes around. I'll just say that Tears Of December is my favorite, but every single piece has its precise identity and will be intensely listened to.

I have never had the chance to see Wylde live with any of his projects, but if I had to choose a concert to see as soon as possible, I would choose this one (no offense to the legendary Ozzy). Because in this project, as simple as it is successful, shines the truth and the true essence of what is one of my absolute favorite guitarists.