Kings of Damnation: Era 1998-2004 [ENHANCED] [EXPLICIT LYRICS]

Black Label Society

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 4, 2005)
• Original Release Date: October 4, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced, Explicit Lyrics
• Label: Spitfire
• ASIN: B000B5Y00K
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #100,954 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Zakk's work as guitarist for Ozzy and his solo work are two completely different beasts. His guitar for the Prince of Darkness works largely within a mainstream framework while his solo playing and writing often showcase an entirely different side. He's no one-trick-pony and "King of Damnation: Era 1998-2004" showcases the best of his varied interests. The collection from his days on the Spitfire label goes from blues-chugging Southern boogie ("Losing Your Mind"), to hard driving Pantera-like thrash ("Bleed for Me") to acoustic pieces best illustrate how his versatility meets his virtuosity ("TAZ" and "Takillya"). The two new songs on this collection are the slower, harder numbers "SDMF" and "Doomsday, Inc.". His vocals are not the most exciting for Rock, but that's not what you're here for. After all, his playing is vast and technical, going from solid riffing to intricate solo in a matter of moments. If you're a rock or metal fan looking to find a way into this guitar man's catalog, this is the perfect place to start. -- Robert Arambel

Product Description
A look at the evolution of Zakk Wylde's progression as a musician, beginning with his solo venture with Pride & Glory and Book of Shadows, leading up to his final album for Spitfire, Hangover Music Volume VI. The hit 'Stillborn' and 'The Blessed Hellride' both get the acoustic treatment from his mini Slightly Amped tour of radio stations, while in support of The Blessed Hellride album. Spitfire. 2005. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars were are the acoustic songs?, October 26, 2005

By	R. Gibson "hootowl62" (south river, n.j. USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Kings of Damnation: Era 1998-2004 (Audio CD)

well i bought this cd because the editorial review says there are acoustic versions of spoke in the wheel, bridge to cross, stillborn and the blessed hellride, but there not here! in fact, spoke in the wheel and bridge to cross are not here in any form! and it contains the original versions of stillborn and the blessed hellride. all of the tracks on cd 2 have been released before. if you have all of the cds with the bonus discs, you already have everything on this disc. even the videos arent anything new, if you have the dvd, you have 2 of the three videos. the only one extra would be counterfit god, which is cool. so all you get here that you dont already have are the 2 new tracks. some one needs to fix the editorial.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A SPITFIRE COMPILATION, October 4, 2005

By	lefthandof power (Memphis, TN) - See all my reviews

This is a compilation of material that BLS released on Spitfire Records. Mafia is on Atermis Records. That's why none of the songs off of Mafia appear on this CD. Zakk proabably owed them one more album on his contract and allowed this greatest of package.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect introduction to a heavy metal guitar master, November 15, 2005

By	George Dionne (WWW.ROCK-IS-LIFE.COM) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Good
If you haven't heard Zakk Wylde's early material, you may be a little surprised early on in this collection. He wasn't exactly the metal powerhouse he is today. There was a lot of southern rock and country influence on "Losing Your Mind" from the Pride & Glory days. I wasn't a big fan of Book of Shadows, but they picked probably the best two songs from that record that represent the Zakk of today; "Between Heaven and Hell" represents his softer acoustic side (with some great guitar tones), while "Sold My Soul" crossing the bridge from acoustic to electric mayhem. I would say these are the most commercial songs Wylde has ever done.

I was a bit disappointed that only one song from Sonic Brew was chosen, because that was by far the best BLS album in my opinion, but at least the picked the thunderous and devastating "Bored to Tears". "Bleed for Me" showcases a monstrous chugga-chugga riff and a vocally melodic Zakk Wylde. "Stillborn" is where Ozzy Osbourne helped out his faithful guitarist out with vocal; although, both men sound pretty much the same. "Crazy or High" revisits Zakk's early days of acoustic-based rock, but combines it with Zakk's new found vocal style and always consistent solos. There are two unreleased tracks included in the best of collection; "Doomsday Inc." is a balls-to-the wall metal thriller, and "SDMF" is just as powerful with a lot of enhancing electronic effects.

The Bad
"Taz", "Speedball", and "Takillya" are really just filler tracks. They do show off Zakk's guitar skills, but each clock in around a minute or so. Six years and six albums are a little early for a best of, unless you're calling it quits (which I don't think he is).

The Verdict
If you've been living in a cave in recluse from the rock world and started wondering, `who is this Zakk Wylde guy, and why is he held in such high regard as a guitar player?'; then Kings of Damnation is the perfect introduction to a heavy metal guitar master that's only just begun to crank out his best. If you've always been a fan, you'll be more than pleased with the new tracks.