16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just three things to say, May 2, 2005
This review is from: Book of Shadows (Audio CD)
1. I love metal as much as the next metal head but this is NOT a metal album - get over it! If your sole review comprises 3 stars because this isn't metal you really need to consider broadening your horizons.
2. Apart from metal I also love all other kinds of music including classical, blues, folk, jazz, fusion, flamenco, etc. etc. This IS some really good acoustic guitar and piano music. Buy it! You won't regret it!
3. If you liked this album check out Zakk with Black Label Society - Hangover Music Vol 6. More of the same though there are a few heavier tunes mixed in. Not quite the normal full on BLS heavy but a little heavier.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Unbelievable Find, March 14, 2001
This review is from: Book of Shadows (Audio CD)
It took me too long to track down the solo work of Zakk Wylde. I'm a big fan of his work on the Ozzy albums, but I've been disappointed by the solo efforts of other guitar gods (Nuno Bettencourt from Extreme, and Paul Gilbert from Mr. Big, for example). Too bad, because Zakk's solo stuff is better than his "day job" work for Ozzy. And this album is just an excellent piece of work.
First, 'Book of Shadows' is a real departure from the metal god style of Ozzy, and to a large extent, Wylde's work with Black Label Society. Book of Shadows is generally acoustic music, and with a stronger southern folk feel. The strange impression one gets is that the style here is an odd mix of Allman Brothers and Black Sabbath. Strange, but it works. Beautifully.
The songs on this album are earthy and mellow, but punctuated by just blistering lead guitar work here and there. For example, 'Peddlers of Death' has a nice acoustic folk feeling, but the solo bridge has Zakk diving in with a heavy, echo-delay laden solo that just sears. Then, magically, the song blends right back to the acoustic/folk groove.
There's no doubt that Zakk has a knack for catchy melodies and great riffs, but it's this "sweet-and-sour" combination of styles that really makes this album tasty. Other great tracks on the album are "What You're Looking For", and "Road Back Home".
I really like Zakk's wor with Ozzy, but this album is so good, I advise Zakk to hang up the Ozzy work, and focus on his own solo career. Believe it or not, the Ozzy material is just what Zakk did to build his career. It's clear from this album that this is what Zakk loves to write and play.
This album is one of those rare ones that you can listen to end to end for months at a time. My only criticism of 'Book of Shadows' is that Zakk hasn't followed it up with another album in the same vein. Here's to hoping.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Book of Shadows" is priceless!, December 24, 1999
This review is from: Book of Shadows (Audio CD)
There are few words that can even come close to describing how incredible this work is. Zakk Wylde is simply brilliant--an absolute musical genius with amazing style and talent that is second to none. I HIGHLY recommend this album to anyone who wants to know what fine music really is. "Book of Shadows" is in a class by itself.
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