Black Label Society’s ‘Grimmest Hits’ + Meanest Riffs With Zakk Wylde
No, Grimmest Hits is not a compilation of your favorite Black Label Society songs. First off, Zakk Wylde will be the first to tell you, "If it's Grimmest Hits, you know going there's a grim chance there's going to be any hits on this record." Of course, the legendary axeman and BLS leader is always in the joking mood and we can assure you the band's new album is loaded with some of Wylde's best riffs, the ever-present Black Sabbath inspiration and is anything but a letdown as he'd lead you to believe if you're the gullible sort.
As wildfires ravaged the Los Angeles area and threatened Wylde's home and fiddles (guitars, for those unfamiliar with Zakk's meme-like vernacular), he swung by our office to discuss the first Black Label Society album since 2014's Catacombs of the Black Vatican. We mentioned the riffage Wylde brought to Grimmest Hits and he affirmed, "I'm talking straight up riffs. Like if I just gave you two strings on a guitar and that's all you've got, you're kind of forced to have to write riffs."
The themes of the album seem to center around grim thoughts as the title indicates and an overall sense of dreariness. One song, "A Love Unreal," however, flips the script and heals the wounds. Lyrically, it's a tender song, but Wylde cleared the air on this one (and the car in the back story), detailing a burrito-born incident.
Watch our interview with Zakk Wylde in the video above and snag your copy of Grimmest Hits (out Jan. 19 on eOne) here and for digital reservations head to this location. Catch Black Label Society on tour now with Corrosion of Conformity serving as the main support with Eyehategod and Red Fang opening select dates. Go here for a complete list of stops.
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