Black Label Society rocked Arizona

Arizona Financial Theatre, Phoenix
March 10th

The Doom Crew Assembles: A Night with Zakk Wylde

Walking into the venue, there was a palpable shift in the air. This wasn’t just my first time seeing
Zakk Wylde in a while; it was the first time seeing him since the passing of “Saint Ozzy” or the
“Boss,” as Zakk so reverently called him for decades. For the heavy metal community, the loss
of Ozzy Osbourne felt like the end of an era, but seeing Zakk back on stage felt like the torch
was still burning, albeit with a somber, respectful glow.
Luckily for us music fans, Zakk is perhaps the hardest working man in shred. Whether he’s
handling the impossible task of filling Dimebag Darrell’s shoes in the Pantera celebration or
standing stage right for the Prince of Darkness, he remains a titan of the industry. But there is something uniquely special about seeing him at the helm of his own ship. From the sludge heavy riffs of Black Label Society to the purist tributes of Zakk Sabbath , Wylde provides nothing short of pure metal guitar joy.

The Engine of Demolition

Zakk is currently tearing across the United States to promote the latest BLS powerhouse, Engines of Demolition . If the live energy is any indication, this record is going to be a career defining moment. For those who haven’t done their homework yet, I cannot recommend the new single “Name in Blood” highly enough. It has all the hallmarks of a classic BLS anthem: arhythmic churn that feels like a freight train and a solo that reminds you why Zakk is a living legend. It’s the perfect appetizer before the full album finally drops on March 27th.

More Than Justa Fandom

The atmosphere inside the venue was electric. If you know anything about Black Label Society, you know their fans aren’t just casual listeners they are “all in.” This is a brotherhood and sisterhood. Before the first note even rang out, you could see the “Doom Crew” patches on denim vests throughout the crowd.
Zakk’s connection to this community is legendary. In an era where many rock stars remain aloof, Zakk is on the ground, taking group pictures with the local Doom Crew chapters in every city he visits. It creates a bond that transcends the music; when you’re at a BLS show, you just an audience member you’re part of the family.

Through the Lens: A Photographer’s Dream

As a concert photographer, I’ve stood in a lot of pits, but Zakk is, by a wide margin, my favorite musician to capture. In a world of “shoegaze” performances where bands stare at their pedalboards, Zakk is a visual explosion. He is a master of the stage, from his iconic wide stance
shredding to the way he wields his Bullseye guitars like a weapon.
There is never a dull moment or a “phoned in” set. Whether he is playing to a stadium or a packed club, I’ve never seen Zakk or his band give anything less than 100%. The sweat, the hair, the soaring pinch harmonics it’s a masterclass
in showmanship. As the lights dimmed and the feedback started to swell, it was clear that while the “Boss” may be gone, his finest disciple is making sure the music stays louder than ever.

Photos and Review by Mike “Bengo” Bengoechea