Release
date: 18th January 2018. Label: eOne Released. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl
Grimmest
Hits – Tracklisting
01. Trampled Down
Below
02. Seasons Of
Falter
03. The Betrayal
04. All That Once
Shined
05. The Only Words
06. Room Of
Nightmares
07. A Love Unreal
08. Disbelief
09. The Day That
Heaven Had Gone Away
10. Illusions Of
Peace
11. Bury Your Sorrow
12. Nothing Left To
Say
Review
Greetings
All,
I
got turned on to Black Label Society a lot of years ago when a friend
of mine played me 1919 Eternal. I was blown away. I knew Zakk Wylde
was Ozzy’s guitar player, but didn’t realize he had the extensive
solo offerings. From that point I was hooked. I have been a huge BLS
fan for years. However, I will admit that I haven’t really dug the
last few releases. That all changed with Grimmest Hits. It is a
remarkable record that stands up with some of BLS best, 1919 Eternal,
Mafia, and Blessed Hellride.
This
record is inspired and loaded with the trademark BLS style. The songs
are strong and timeless. Killer guitar work (of course) and a newer
vocal style that lends itself perfectly to the songs. My only
complaint about this record is the title. I saw this release and
didn’t give it a second thought thinking it was just a repackaging
of older songs. Thank God I did investigate further, this is a most
welcome return.
Grimmest
Hits opens with a quintessential BLS style track, Trampled Down
Below opens with a slick bass intro before exploding with a huge,
monster sized riff. Seasons of Falter brings in a righteous,
heavy groove that rocks throughout this mid-tempo track that
unleashes the first (of many) killer solos. Next up is The
Betrayal which is a darker, heavier track highlighted by a killer
riff and some heavy cymbal crashes. All That Once Shined
brings in some serious swagger and a killer groove and stomp.
The
laid back, southern style of The Only Words is reminiscent of
the Pride and Glory days with a breezy Lynard Skynard/Allman Brothers
feel. A really amazing track. The heaviness returns with a vengeance
on Room of Nightmares, one of my favorite tracks on the
record. Musically, it is vintage Black Label. The vocal delivery is a
little different and welcome as it fits the darker subject matter to
a tee. There is some classic Sabbath inspired riffage on the stellar
A Love Unreal. With its groove and 70’s style classic rock
breakdown, this may be the biggest wink and nod to the kings.
Disbelief continues the heaviness with a major stomp and riff.
The
Day That Heaven Had Gone Away is a slower ballad with a killer
solo. The song gives you a quick breather before hammering in with
the heavy, political themed Illusions of Peace which is a
monster of a song with some killer drums and guitars. Bury Your
Sorrow carries things on with some more super juicy solos.
Nothing Left to Say closes the album out with an acoustic
guitar/organ filled, southern style rock jam. A fitting closer to an
awesome album.
The
songs on Grimmest Hits hit all the right notes and if you are
familiar with BLS the record is everything you have been looking for.
Black Label Society has returned to form. You owe it to yourself to
check this one out!
Instagram @alltheghoststhathauntyou
Words by Todd Stealey
Grimmest
Hits is available to buy now via eOne Music on CD/DD/Vinyl.
Links:
