Customer Reviews

Book of Shadows

5 star:		(61)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

If you are familiar with Zakk's work with Ozzy and Black Label Society, this album may come as a surprise. Zakk Wylde is a dynamite metal guitarist, but here he proves he can do softer, laid-back stuff just the same.

The music is very calm most of the time, with a slight country vibe. Zakk's vocals are excellent, and his guitar playing is great as well. "Throwin It All Away", "I Thank You Child", and "Road Back Home" are all great songs. Just about every song here is good though. Some of them are nothing to get excited about, but it's a pretty good listen all the way through.

However, I kind of had a misconception about this album upon buying it. I previously thought that it was all acoustic, but it isn't. There is some electric thrown in, mainly for lead parts, and I have no idea why. There is only one acoustic solo on here, which kind of disappointed me. Monte Montgomery (unbelievable guitarist from Austin, TX) does similar stuff to this, but he plays all acoustic. I mean, taps, leads, it's all acoustic, and it's just amazing. I was hoping this would be more like that, but oh well. You can't have it all.

If you're a fan of Zakk's work, I think you'll like this, even though it's considerably softer than his other stuff ("1,000,000 Miles Away" is the only thing even close to hard rock here). If you like this, also check out "Mirror", by Monte Montgomery.

And it is.

Zakk has gone through many phases in his career, and I have to say this one was probably his best artistically. It is just a beautiful album, and perhaps the best argument for his playing. In recent times all we here is Zakk the shredder, but this album is all touch. Every guitar track on here is tasty and exactly what the song called for. Lots of guitar players can rip, but few of those know how to pull back and grab your soul. Zakk shows on this album he can do that as well as anyone.

If you like Zakk or if you like singer songwriter type music, pick this up. You'll dig it.

It's hard to add to what the others have said to compliment this album. I will say this, I have bought 3 copies of this cd. In case I lose one, damage one or wear it out from playing it so much. My wife listens to christian music and country, but this is still her favorite cd also. Sorry this is not much of a review. I had to get my 2 cents in. Aside from Zakk I'm a big fan of Electric Blues Guitar. I can only imagine if Zakk put out a Blues cd. (...)!!!

Zakk Wylde has created the most unique and powerful record to surface from the sludge that is the record industry. Every single track is not just great, but perfect. A seamless combination of blues, folk, rock, and metal-with brilliant lyrics soulful singing, and mind-melting guitar playing. If you are looking for the best that music can offer, Book of Shadows is it.

All told, this cd is simply one of the best examples of the talent that Zakk Wylde possesses. I am also a fan of Black Label Society and Ozzy and it amazes me that a guitarist of such heavy nature could release such a mellow, laid back and perfect example of rock n roll. This cd never leaves my changer.Every track is a standout in my opinion. Buy this and you will not regret it! Perfect drinking music. Perfect in every catagory. SDMF

I first got introduced to Mr Wyldes work through Black Label Society. Then I picked up all the Black Label albums and his two solo records Pride & Glory and Book of Shadows. Book of Shadows is my favorite. Book of Shadows is nothing like Black Label or anything he has done with Ozzy. It is a softer acoustic rock album and it is excellent. This is music by a true musician! Pick this album up if you are a just getting into his work or just appreciate true talent and music!

I originally bought this CD in 1996, when it was first released. For the longest time after purchase, I listened to this disc daily. Everytime I listened to it, I got goosebumps. After giving up singing and getting a "real" job as a 911 dispatcher four years ago, I somehow put this CD (and many other well loved CD's) aside and only recently listened to it again. The goosebumps instantly came back, and so did my love for what could be one of the best albums ever composed. I am very picky when it comes to music, so it is very hard for me to come across an album that I can consider flawless. "Book of Shadows" is one of these albums. Although my opinion of Ozzy has deteriated greatly over the years, I have always loved Mr. Wylde's guitar playing. Not only does this CD have some truly amazing guitar work, it also has some of the most emotional, and intelligent lyrics I have ever heard. "Way Beyond Empty" and "Throwin it all Away" grab my heart with every listen but the rest of the disc is just as powerful. There is no better album to listen to when thinking about both the good and bad moments in one's life. It is a shame that this album never caught on with the mainstream. The amazing thing is that every person I have played this CD to fell in love with it. I had a female friend who only listened to pop, dance, and whatever MTV crap was out there at the time who was mesmerized with the songs on this CD after she heard it. This floored me that someone who I considered somewhat shallow and trendy would appreciate this masterpiece. That is how good this disc really is. With all the rap and pop garbage out there, this CD should be cherished by all who appreciate great songwriting and increadible musicianship. You will not regret buying this album. It is an absolute gem!