Black Label Society – Mafia
Author: Mark Thompson
Fire It Up and that we do when this track opens up from MAFIA from BLACK LABEL SOCIETY. Slinking in with a quiet groove that opens into a solid-chuggy, fist-pumping rhythm BLS returns with a full-fledged electric album which would have served as a better follow up to The Blessed Hellride than Hangover Music Vol. I, but HMVI definitely served its purpose for all diehard BLS fans who craved a follow up to Book Of Shadows. I have always been a huge fan and this offering comes just as strong as TBH.
What’s In You, the 2nd track, follows suit of Fire It Up with a very typical BLS sludgey swagger that has a powerful chorus where Zakk adds plenty of vocal-layering that just compliment his simple, yet very effective songwriting. Track 3, Suicide Messiah (also the first single) continues in the same tradition as Stronger Than Death that some SDMF’s may consider Zakk’s finest effort. “Bow Down You’ve Chose Your Maker, He Never Gives, He’s Always A Taker” is a chorus that can have the whole crowd singing along and everyone playing air guitar with a deadly solo full of standard Zakk signature licks. Forever Down follows with a piano intro but that quickly fades and the way has been paved for another chunk of riffs for which seem like lost Ozzy tracks but that should not come as a surprise as Zakk is the one to have written some of the most memorable and popular tracks released by Ozzy and Zakk is the one who most definitely keeps it all going in the live forum for Mr. Osbourne. In This River is a stylized track from BLS and one that I truly admire on MAFIA. It has a simple purity with its piano progression that sounds familiar and would have great crossover appeal if ever released as a single. This is a track that would fit perfectly into the world of Book Of Shadows pt II.
You Must Be Blind and Death March continue with the heavy sludge and the raspy snarl of Zakk’s voice that shows his roots are pure with rock n’ roll. With TBH I thought Zakk had tapped into his best effort but I’m sure many fans may be blown away as MAFIA seems to have taken it all to the next level once again and the song Say What You Will is proceeded by Dr. Octavia (guitar noodling) before it plows full steam ahead with a track that would have fit perfect onto TBH. Nothing short of pure rock with 4 on the floor- foot tapping and heads banging. Too Tough To Die intros with an eerie bass lick which follows into a mysterious verse that merge into a haunting chorus which eventually kicks into a bridge before a simple solo quickly fades out into another chorus. That track left me a bit puzzled, but that puzzle was quickly erased with some Electric Hellfire. EH has a side-step shuffle rhythm that leads to a half time chorus and it really turns on full force for a solo that ends with some wailing vocals from Zakk which completes this 2:20 song.
Spread Your Wings could have easily been a song off of Sonic Brew. Zakk seems to be going back to the slower tempo grooves after some more upbeat rockers that comprised TBH, but that is not necessarily bad at all. In fact, it seems to be the place that he seems more comfortable with his vocals and guitar style. Been A Long Time shows a touch of 70’s arena rock with verses that are just vocals with Craig Nunenmacher keeping beat with his foot on the hi-hat before they kick it into a Sabbathy waltz for the chorus. Dirt On The Grave lowers the testosterone level with the piano and also shows an influence from ALICE IN CHAINS not only in vocal style, but also in guitar tone but Zakk definitely shows that he can contribute his soloing abilities in a more melodic sense in this album closer. But just when you thought it was over, the ever-so-popular hidden track brings the piano back but also shows a lyrical side from Zakk where his vocals are taken out of his normal tone and a rich, warm, nurturing voice emanates from his soul which would definitely bring many a more listener into the SDMF world. Track 15 simply needs to be heard and listened to for its dynamics, lyrics, subtle softness, and of course, a solo fadeout that will leave you breathless.
What else can you say, but………
10/10
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