Shot to Hell

Shot to Hell marks Black Label Society's debut for Roadrunner Records, following a six-year relationship with Spitfire summarized on the previous year's Kings of Damnation: Era 1998-2004 compilation. Shot to Hell may mark a new era for Zakk Wylde and company, yet not much has changed artistically, no doubt to the relief of fans. Over the course of 13 songs, the band showcases impressive musicianship, incorporating occasional moodiness and balladic touches into its otherwise charging style of metal. The usual comparisons to Alice in Chains, Pantera, and Corrosion of Conformity are as apt as ever, with Wylde's vocals especially reminiscent of AIC. The album-opening "Concrete Jungle" is an instant highlight, kicking off the album in high fashion, while the piano ballad "The Last Goodbye" is another, highlighting Wylde's songwriting talent, as is "Nothing's the Same," another mellow song. While Shot to Hell offers nothing that past Black Label Society releases haven't, and nothing revelatory enough to convince those so far unconvinced of the band's continuing worth, anyone interested in more of the band's consistent output from year to year should find plenty to enjoy here. ~ Jason Birchmeier

いやぁ～、立派なもんである。多少の変化はあれど、ドゥーミーなサウンド・スタイルを貫き、前作がソロ11年目にして初のビルボード・チャートTOP30入り!　もはや〈オジー・オズボーンの相棒〉という肩書きも不要となったザック・ワイルド率いるバンドの新作は、これまた何ら変わることのない極上のヘヴィー・ロック・アルバムに仕上がっている。みずからピアノを奏でる男泣きナンバーももちろん収録。ハズシなしです。
bounce (C)山口 コージー