Zakk Wylde started playing guitar at age fourteen. Zakk practiced relentlessly emulating Randy Rhoads and other guitar greats. Wylde's hard work paid off when at age 19 he was recruited by Ozzy Osbourne to continue the legacy of Randy's lead guitarist role. Zakk has worked with Ozzy since 1988. In 1998, he formed his own band Black Label Society (BLS) that has been known for its prolific output and frequent line-up changes since its inception.

In April of 2009, Eagle Rock Entertainment released Skullage a retrospective of Black Label Society in CD, DVD and a combination package. All formats offer a range of selections showing that BLS are masters of menacing metal yet are apt at melodic moments, too.

The CD opens with "Machine Gun Man" with its vibrant southern rock vibe spiked with Zakk's stellar string work. "Dead As Yesterday" flows on strings, soft guitar strumming and subtle vocals.

The CD then kicks into high gear with hard rocking BLS's classics such as "All For You", "Doomsday Jesus" and "Suicide Messiah". The heavy compositions are dark, dramatic and dynamic.

"In This River" is dedicated to Zakk's friend Dimebag Darrell and demonstrates that Wylde is apt at the piano and he can pen personal reflective music in addition to his pulsating power packed prose. The CD closes with four acoustic versions of BLS material.

The DVD is also diverse featuring lusty live performances, innovative videos, insights behind the music and humor. Zakk welcomes fans to his home, which includes a look at his impressive guitar collection. In the same room is his even more valuable Barbie doll display. Wylde's comical commentary about the Barbies - and who gave him each doll - was a riot.

Skullage runs the gamut from grueling hard rock to graceful acoustic moments: from antics to serious anecdotes. Skullage shows that Zakk Wylde is an adaptable artist who works with the best but is a creative force in his own right.

Related Links: For more information on BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Black Label Society | Buy Skullage | EagleRockEnt.com

Originally Published: 05/03/2009 on Kweevak.com