Look at anything modern heavy metal related to soul, groove, and attitude, and at the top will be a tall guy named Zakk Wylde. He is today mainly known as Ozzy Osbourne‘s main sidekick, but most people would need to know that there is a very ruthless leader indeed by the name of Black Label Society—a cult metal band following.
So, where did this Black Label Society start? That is today’s business. Join us as we look into Zakk Wylde’s Black Label Society network of fan allegiance from its beginnings, all the way through its musical progression, ultimately establishing this loyal brotherhood all over the world.
Birth of Black Label Society
After years of crusading with glorious recording sessions under the heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk began to find the fire in his belly, craving to do an epiphany gracefully linked with himself—a pure 100% Zakk Wylde enterprise. It rode on the solo endeavor called Book of Shadows in 1998, which again took him back a bit to form that Black Label Society. Sonic Brew, BLS’s first road album, would appear later that year. It was a mixture of southern rock, metallic riffs, and spitfire vocals straight from the bottom of a whiskey bottle.
The band was not just BLS but a movement. People could not just come to a show but joined a brotherhood.
🎶Musical Evolution: From Grit to Glory
The sound of Black Label Society has never been static. Through the years, Zakk fused:
- The classic metal roots tunes from the likes of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin.
- Emotional ballads, such as “In This River,” are on the tribute to Dimebag Darrell.
From Stronger Than Death to Grimmest Hits, every album told a different yet undeniable Zakk Wylde guitar style story, from pinch harmonics, heavy bends, and thunderous rhythm.
👉 Read more about his unique playing approach here:
🔗 Zakk Wylde Guitar Style: Techniques & Tone Breakdown
🤘 Brotherhood, Loyalty & Leather Vests :
The Black Label Society was more than just music; it was a way of life. Its fans, who refer to themselves as Berserkers, took great pride in wearing BLS patches that looked a lot like biker gang colors. The band’s entire look, brought about by their love for skulls, leather, and outlawish vibes, could never match up to Zakk’s no-nonsense attitude.
Let’s be truthful: Zakk didn’t just form a band; he founded a tribe.
🔗 Ozzy Osbourne and the Legendary Partnership
Zakk still never fully detached himself from Ozzy Osbourne, even though BLS was peaking. One of the longest relationships in the history of rocks, he just stewed for a while to concentrate on BLS, and Zakk was back on the side of the Prince of Darkness, like an appointed guitar player for his loyal tones.
➔ Their bond runs thicker than blood:
🔗 🎸 Zakk Wylde and Ozzy Osbourne: A Legendary Guitar Partnership
🧠 Did You Know?
- Zakk Wylde started the band in the name of a Black Label whiskey that he drank immensely.
- He plays most of the instruments on early BLS records.
- BLS was once banned from a venue after fans tore the place up. Berserkers don’t play.
- Zakk Wylde and Black Label Society member are way more than a family.
🎯 Final Thoughts: More Than a Band, It’s a Way of Life
The history of Zakk Wylde and the Black Label Society is not about albums and dates. It’s about independence and grit, about staying true to your sound, no matter how the trends go. Yes, Zakk—he didn’t build a brand; he built a legacy. One riff at a time.
