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Zakk Wylde says Black Label Society’s upcoming album Engines of Demolition stays true to the band’s signature sound — and he’s perfectly fine with that.
During a recent appearance on Loudwire Nights, Wylde joked that while some fans say the band’s records sound similar, that consistency is exactly the point.
“People say all the albums sound the same,” Wylde said with a laugh. “I tell them it’s like McDonald’s or White Castle — it’s consistently the same. Pure taste devastation.”
The guitarist explained that work on the album actually began several years ago. Black Label Society started recording in 2022 before Wylde spent extended time touring as part of the Pantera tribute lineup.
Initially, the plan was to finish the tour and release the album soon after. Instead, the Pantera run kept expanding.
“We started recording everything in 2022, then went out and did the Pantera celebration,” Wylde said. “Next thing you know, we’re four years deep on the Pantera celebration.”
Wylde said touring with Pantera inevitably influenced the energy behind the new music, especially through the lasting impact of his late friend Dimebag Darrell.
“It’s just Dime’s energy,” Wylde said. “There’s nothing where you go, ‘Oh, that sounds like Pantera,’ but the enthusiasm and the energy is there.”
The album also includes a deeply personal track titled “Ozzy’s Song.” Wylde said the music for the track had already been written, but the lyrics came later after the death of Ozzy Osbourne.
After returning home from touring, Wylde said he sat in his home library looking through a book about Ozzy while listening to the instrumental track.
“I just put the music on and wrote the lyrics right there,” he said. “Obviously if Oz hadn’t passed away, I’m not writing those lyrics.”
Wylde also honored Ozzy while recording the song by using a very special guitar from his collection — his 1981 Gibson Les Paul Custom, which he used during his early years playing with Ozzy.
The guitar, which Wylde calls “the Grail,” had been retired for years before producer Adam Fuller suggested bringing it back for the solo.
“It only makes sense that I’d play the solo on that guitar,” Wylde said, noting it was the same instrument he used to write his first Ozzy song, “Miracle Man.”
While reflecting on Ozzy and other late metal icons like Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, Wylde said their influence still lives on through the music.
“Every time someone plays those songs, their life force is still there,” Wylde said. “It’s a beautiful thing.”
Engines of Demolition will mark Black Label Society’s latest release as the band continues to balance recording with Wylde’s ongoing touring commitments.
SOURCE: Loudwire