Everyone in the metal world, and many even outside of our community, knows who Zakk Wylde is. He played with Ozzy Osbourne; he had a band called Pride and Glory; he is in Black Label Society; and he also fronts Zakk Sabbath, a band that plays Black Sabbath songs. He’s on many top guitar player lists, and he just seems like a good human who enjoys life. I have seen BLS many times, and Zakk Sabbath once before, but not quite like the night of September 29th at The Revolution Concert House in Boise, Idaho. It was a whole other experience.
The night began with Dario Lorina‘s band, Dark Chapel. Dario is the “new” co-lead guitarist in Black Label Society. He replaced the evil twin, Nick Catanese, who had been with BLS for many years. I was nervous about Dario at first, especially when I first saw BLS with him, but I quickly recognized how insanely talented he was and have been a huge fan since. Dark Chapel showcases even more of how incredible a musician he truly is. I already knew he was a brilliant guitar player, but I had no idea he could also sing beautifully and play piano. For some reason, this band really evokes a lot of emotions in me, and I’m not sure whether it is his vocals, the style of music, his energy, or all of it together, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching them. The other members are no slouches. Jeremiah Walker looked like the Muppets’ Animal on the drums; he is so fast and good. Dylan Dyce was a riff master, and Mike Leon rocked the bass. This four-piece was the perfect start to the night. They covered Bill Withers‘ “Ain’t No Sunshine”, and it was just flawless in a bluesy, rock and roll/metal fashion. When Dario played “Hit of Your Love” on the piano and sang, it drove straight to the soul. Beautiful performance.
Zakk Sabbath took the stage next, basically the Black Label Society band minus Dario, playing Black Sabbath songs. It is always entertaining and impressive to see members of the same band not only perform night after night for that long, but also play different sets. Wylde is always remarkable, and while everyone focuses on him for many reasons, I want to take a moment to talk about the other guys who make these bands what they are. John “JD” DeServio on bass has been with Zakk off and on for many years- well, decades. He is one of the most entertaining musicans to watch, not only because of his talent, but also because of his big smiles and big personality on stage. I met him many years ago, and he is just as great off stage. Jeff Fabb on drums is incredibly skilled too. He has unbelievable energy and somehow maintains it for two whole sets. Quite impressive. Zakk Sabbath played “Children of the Grave”, “Snowblind”, “N.I.B.”, “Fairies Wear Boots, and “War Pigs” in the setlist. It was thrilling and enticing, and everyone sang along with all their hearts.
I casually jumped right into Black Label Society. What is great about the same members switching to a different project is the distinction between the two. The sets changed, Dario returned to the stage, and Zakk’s kilt changed. The BLS banner covered the stage before doing its iconic drop, and they dove into “Funeral Bell”. The light show was fabulous, almost Tool-level. Lasers glanced off the crowd and throughout the venue, and the colors were bright, bold, and varied. Lorina definitely brings a lot to the performances when it comes to BLS; he can go head-to-head with Wylde, which is no easy feat. Zakk is forever captivating with his head shakes, skyward praises, and insane guitar work. As always, the set turns emotional with “In This River,” as banners show Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell, both good friends of Wylde. BLS has also added “Ozzy’s Song, which brings even more emotion into the experience. They are good at making people tear up, sometimes erupting in sobs, but what a beautiful superpower to give others. This is what the metal community is all about, and BLS never forgets that. They always remind you that you are part of the family, and you mourn these significant losses together. Thank you, BLS and Zakk, for giving us this time after time, year after year.
Our photographer Katarzyna Cepek was there to capture these moments.
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