Customer Reviews

Skullage [Explicit]

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

 

 

The 3-star rating is not regarding the actual songs presented on this disc, but for the product itself. This is a chronologically laid out sampler and nothing more. The only attraction for existing fans of Zakk Wylde/BLS are the last three acoustic tracks. Stillborn is one of my favorite BLS songs and I believe the acoustic version presented here was only available on a DVD.

O.K. On it's own merits, "Skullage" is a good cd. Maybe very good since the songs are all solid. But I've got a major problem with this disc, Zakk's record label & Zakk himself.

For those of you who don't know the history, read on! In the late '90s, Spitfire Records re-released "Pride & Glory," Zakk's southern-rock band, "Book of Shadows," his solo disc & "Sonic Brew," the first release by Black Label Society. Then, over the course of the next 5 or so years, Spitfire released 6 more BLS cd's, including a live record & a 19-song compilation ONLY 4 years ago...in 2005. After leaving Spitfire & putting out "Mafia" and "Shot to Hell" on Artemis & Roadrunner Records, Zakk took a brief hiatus...for him! Which leads us back to this release.

It's on Armoury Records, a division of Eagle Entertainment. Spitfire Records, which put out, count 'em, 9 Zakk Wylde cd's over the last decade, is also a division of Eagle Entertainment. So, basically, Eagle Entertainment puts out this 12-song compilation with 3 extra live tracks a mere FOUR years after issuing a 19-song compilation called "Kings of Damnation: '98-'04." Yeah, it's got those 3 additional tracks plus an instrumental & "Mafia/Shot to Hell" are represented here but there's not one track from "Sonic Brew" and it still comes in with a grand total of 15 or 16 songs. Still 3 or 4 songs shorter than the '05 compilation. In addition, Eagle Entertainment has remastered & is re-issuing virtually the entire Zakk Wylde catalog on Armoury Records, a division of Eagle Ent., less than a decade after releasing most of his releases on Spitfire Records, another division of Eagle Ent. Rip-off? Stealing money from Zakk's loyal fans? You be the judge. And why Zakk would allow this is beyond me. He's always seemed like the kind of guy who stands behind his society-dwelling fans no matter what. Or maybe only if they're willing to hand him their hard-earned cash while the record company smiles a fat-cat grin!

Yet another Greatest Hits compilation by Zakk and his crew?? Why? We were damaged enough by Shot to Hell and how much of a mediocre album that was when you compare it to the first three albums in the BLS collection, but this is not the kind of album you follow up Shot to Hell with. We've all heard these songs before and we've probably downloaded all the "acoustic" versions of Stillborn that there is out there. Why not come out with some new material to re-energize the fanbase??

I think BLS is a victim of their commercial success what with their merchandising and all that. It's practically a brand name and the BLS letters have more hype behind them than actual substance. As a die-hard fan, I feel that the last 5 or 6 years of BLS have been a letdown musically and we've been suckered into the image of BLS rather than what made us fans of them in the first place. Great albums like Sonic Brew and Stronger Than Death. Please, Zakk. Put out another Metal album before you hang it up!

Ordered this in the month od December. Close to Christmas and received it in about a week. Faster than when they thought it would be here. A A+ with me.

I would recommend doom troopin' highly over this d.v.d. It does have some of the same footage,however not as much. The video for "in this river" is great though.

Well, you've probably been living on another planet if you aren't aware of Black Sabbath's influence on rock for the last couple decades. With this album Zakk Wylde displays the reason for his influence on a generation of guitar players, but also his range. His acoustic renditions are magnificent.

Whether you're a hard rock enthusiast or prefer your music a little softer, this album is well worth the experience, even though a number of tracks are repeats of earlier releases.

This CD is one of the best purchases I have made this year. All of the songs are great, ranging from pedal to the metal rockers to some of the best guitar ballads. A lot of their hits are on here, not all, but they all fit together nicely for a CD you can listen to for weeks without taking it out of your car stereo. The acoustic versions of the songs are mind-blowing! Buy it now!

Another sleeper from Zakk and crew. This must have been done in his garage-the sound is of that quality. BLS must be out of beer money or something. Not as dissappointing as "Shot to Hell" but almost.just a hadgepodge of studio outtakes. I am an avid BLS fan and this CD was mediocre at best. No new material at all,except for the accoustic stuff which was the only reason I gave it two stars. BLS was,like "Shot...",clutching at straws with this one.Just like the movie cop says:"Move along folks,nothing to see here."
Save yer money for a REAL BLS attempt at an album.

The review doesn't need to be long. If you know BLS this is another fine chapter in their Metal Mastery. If you don't, I'm sure you'll acquire the earlier albums quickly. W

a must have in the car cd. for those times you just wamt some good solid r&r with a hard edge. but wait till you get home to lift one all you society dwelling m %$#&@ f