Live-Metal.Net - Concerts: Black Label Society - Rams Head Live

Even though many fans may go to extraordinary lengths to meet them or see them in concert, I realize that the guys (and gals) in bands are just that—guys. Talented, creative guys with incredibly cool jobs, but still just plain old average guys like you and me. Well, most of them are, that is.

From the moment Zakk Wylde steps on stage, he exudes a presence unlike anyone else. Physically, he is as imposing as it gets, with biceps the size of tree trunks, a long blonde mane, massive beard with two braids extending halfway down his chest, huge chain hanging from his waist and a leather vest adorned with the classic Black Label Society colors. Then he pounds out devastating riff after riff and shreds through solos that undoubtedly bring wide smiles to the faces of Randy Rhoads and Dimebag Darrell as they watch from god’s tavern while slamming back a few Black Tooth Grins. I’ve seen BLS live 15 times now, and I am as much in awe of Zakk as ever. The show on this night may have been the best yet.

Sanctity, labelmates of BLS on Roadrunner Records, began the festivities with their brand of metal heavily influenced by Megadeth, Testament and other classic thrash bands. It’s hard not to think of Dave Mustaine when you see singer/guitarist Jared MacEachern’s long red locks. And, yes, he is a singer. It’s good to hear a heavy band that doesn’t treat melody as a dirty word. Combine that with the searing work of lead guitarist Zeff Childress, and you have a new band worth keeping an eye on. The BLS fans gave them a warm welcome (far better than the one they received three nights earlier at Jaxx in Springfield, Va.; Baltimore always seems to have a rowdier, more responsive crowd for metal shows than the Washington, D.C., area). Sanctity’s debut CD, Road to Bloodshed, hits stores April 24.

After a wait of nearly an hour, air raid sirens signaled the start of the BLS show. The band began “New Religion” behind a curtain that soon dropped to reveal one of the premiere acts in metal today. Zakk, guitarist Nick Catanese, bassist John “J.D.” DeServio and drummer Craig Nunenmacher ran through a two-hour set drawn mostly from later BLS releases Shot to Hell, Mafia and The Blessed Hellride. Zakk had little to say as the band followed the opener with “Forever Down,” “Been a Long Time,” “The Beginning … At Last,” “Suffering Overdue,” “Funeral Bell” (preceded by a snippet of “Iron Man), “Bleed for Me” and “Suicide Messiah,” which sparked the first crowd sing-along of the night.

At this point, Zakk, sitting alone on stage, began some nimble picking on an acoustic guitar, then announced that the BLS crew had donated $1 million to the St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital and dedicated his solo performance of “Blood Is Thicker Than Water” to the kids. Later, sitting at a keyboard, Zakk laughed, “You can’t make this gay shit up.” Joined by the rest of the band, he then regaled the audience with stories of almost joining Guns N’ Roses and his final conversation with Dimebag before playing “Spoke in the Wheel” and “In This River,” respectively.

“Fire It Up,” one of the strongest BLS tracks, segued into Zakk’s electric solo—always a showstopper. A pair of Shot to Hell selections—“Black Mass Reverends” and “Concrete Jungle”—then led into the closer, “Stillborn.” But the show didn’t end there, as the stage quickly filled with servicemen recently returned from Iraq and kids as “You Are So Beautiful” played over the PA. It was a heartwarming end to a spellbinding performance.

There is no one else like Zakk, and nothing can quite match the experience of a BLS concert. Fans have embraced the “chapters,” the family aspect of the band and created something special. I consider myself a member of the Maryland Chapter, and I’m proud to do so. BLS show number 16 can’t come soon enough.

BLS SET LIST:
New Religion
Forever Down
Been a Long Time
The Beginning … At Last
Suffering Overdue
Iron Man/Funeral Bell
Bleed for Me
Suicide Messiah
Acoustic solo
Blood Is Thicker Than Water
Spoke in the Wheel
In This River
Fire It Up
Electric solo
Black Mass Reverends
Concrete Jungle
Stillborn