With nine albums issued rapid-fire style over an eight-year span (1999 to 2006), the time was certainly right for a
Black Label Society compilation. And in 2009, it arrived in the form of the CD/DVD double-disc,
Skullage. Included are standouts from all of the
Black Label Society releases, as well as a tune each from
Zakk Wylde's pre-
BLS projects,
Pride & Glory, and his 1996 solo album,
Book of Shadows, plus live tracks. Throughout it all,
Skullage certainly shows off the six-string talents of the
Wylde one, especially on such
BLS favorites as "Doomsday Jesus" and "Suicide Messiah," as well as "Stillborn" (which features vocals from none other than
Ozzy Osbourne), and the mellow sounds of "Won't Find It Here." Add to it a DVD of video clips and live performances, and you have both the perfect career overview for the longtime
Wylde devotee, and a solid introduction for the new fan. [A clean version of the CD, sans profanity, was also released.] ~ Greg Prato