CD Reviews

Zakk Wylde – Book of Shadows II (review)

Published

9 years ago

June 10, 2016

JJ Ulizio

Zakk Wylde – Book of Shadows II (review)

By JJ Ulizio

Zakk Wylde has progressively become a more and more of prominent figure through the first couple of decades in the 21^st century; however his music has increasingly become more and more of the same old, same old. When I discovered that he had released a “sequel” to his original 1996 Book of Shadows album I was extremely excited. The original Book Of Shadows is an album that I still listen to on occasion to this day. But alas my hopes rose too high and were smashed to the ground, because this album is sadly not very impressive.

The album begins with the track “Autumn Changes.” Oddly enough, it is reminiscent of something out of the Pearl Jam songwriting hand book. Not exactly a note by note rip-off or anything of that nature, but it definitely, at least the intro and first verse, remind me of Pearl Jam’s “Yellow Ledbetter” or “Black”. Before turning into the watered down southern rock that becomes the blueprint for the entire album. It flows along with Zakk’s low vocal tone with clean guitars with a guitar solo before rolling itself out for the second track.

The entire album follows the same cookie cutter pattern from Zakk, watered down southern rock tunes, organs, choir like choruses, and clean sounding guitar solos interspersed with the atypical Zakk speed solo in certain songs.

If you are interested in southern rock from Zakk then I must recommend the 1994 self-titled album from Pride and Glory. For more of the mellow music then I highly recommend the original Book of Shadows album or the 2004 Black Label Society album Hangover Music Vol. VI which is more of Book of Shadows II than Book of Shadows II is.

It’s not entirely bad. There are plenty of musicians who would kill to write an album like this; however I don’t see this lackluster effort going down in history as an amazing Zakk Wylde album. Considering where he is in his musicianship and career, I expected much more from him. The album is good for a listen, but forgettable past that.

About Author

JJ Ulizio

JJ has been a contributing writer and huge asset to Empire and Empire Extreme since the very begining. He is always digging for new bands and has a true heart and desire to see the bands grow and succeed.

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Related Topics:Black Label Society BLS Book of Shadows II Pride and Glory Zakk Wylde

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CD Reviews

Marilyn Manson is Back

Published

2 months ago

November 25, 2024

Ron

Marilyn Manson just released his 12th album “One Assassination Under God-Chapter 1” on November 22nd 2024.

This album in my opinion is the best album Manson has put out since Holy Wood. It has a feeling of albums old and new with little hints of Antichrist Superstar, Mechanical Animals and Holy Wood.

The album opens up with “One Assassination Under God” which just gets you ready for what’s to come. With Manson Just finishing his tour, This is the Manson we have been needing for years now. He looks good and sounds great.

Putting out a few singles from the album , the overall feeling of this album is great. It’s been a while since I’ve like a full album of Manson, while this album isn’t perfect it’s as close as perfection of those early albums were. Of course I love the singles “As Sick as the Secrets we Keep” and “Raise the Red Flag” but I also really enjoyed songs like “Death is not a costume”, “Nod if you understand” and “Sacrilegious”

I think this new chapter of Mansons life and music is exciting , I hope we get more tours in 2025 and maybe some over the top stage shows like we did in the late 90s early 2000s. I feel the younger generation hasn’t experience a real “Full” on Manson show yet and it’s time for the King to take back his throne at the top of the Shock Rock mountain.

ALL HAIL MARILYN MANSON

About Author

Ron

Ron has keen eye for new talent, a love for the underground, and a tremendous passion for music of any genera. You’ll probably bump into him at a horror convention or some seedy club checking out the next need-to-know band.

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CD Reviews

BUSH 30th ANNIVERSARY OF “SIXTEEN STONE” VINYL

Published

2 months ago

November 20, 2024

Ron

I remember when this album came out in 1994 . I was 15 and really discovering all types of music. As being a typical teenage boy I seen the band name “Bush” and thought hmm I love bush, let’s check it out. It was such an amazing album from beginning to end.

The new released vinyl that just came out on November 17th is such a testament to this album being as great then as it is now. Listening to the vinyl just brought back so many memories of being an angst teenager that just wanted to heard. The vinyl package is amazing with lots of photos of the band throughout the years and the sound of the vinyl is so pristine.

I got my hands on the opaque red vinyl and just looks awesome spinning on the player. It’s crazy to think that this album has so many hits and no filler songs, even the songs that didn’t become hits are just as good as the hits.

With the hits being “Glycerine”, “Everything Zen” , “Comedown” “Little Things” and “Machinehead” but some of my favorite songs are not the hits songs like “Swim”, “Bomb” and “Alien” which is probably my favorite song on the album. If you’re a fan of Bush or this album or just want to dive into the mid 90s Grunge/Post Grunge era this is a key album to have in your collection.

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Ron

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CD Reviews

ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW

Published

4 months ago

October 3, 2024

Ron

Alice In Chains have Re-Released the 2009 album on vinyl. This album was the first Alice In Chains in 14 years and the first album with guitarist/singer Willam DuVall after Layne Staley passed away in 2002.

I was a huge Alice In Chains fan and was a big fan of both Layne and Jerry. When this album first came out I remember sorta pushing it the side only cause of sadness about Layne but after hearing “Check My Brain” I gave it a chance and was so glad that I did. This album is amazing and really put Alice In Chains back into the mainstream.

The vinyl not only looks super awesome but sounds amazing. If you’re a fan of Alice In Chains and into collecting Vinyl, this album is a must in your collection. It’s a great packed vinyl with 2 vinyls included.

Side A: All Secrets Known, Check My Brain and Last of My Kind. Side B: Your Decision, A Looking in View. Side C: When The Sun Rose Again, Acid Bubble, Lesson Learned. Side D: Take Her Out, Private Hell, Black Gives Away To Blue