Released by: Entertainment One Music
Release Date: Out Now!!!
Genre: Metal
Links: http://www.zakkwylde.com
Tracklist:
01. Autumn Changes
02. Tears Of December
03. Lay Me Down
04. Lost Prayer
05. Darkest Hour
06. The Levee
07. Eyes Of Burden
08. Forgotten Memory
09. Yesterday’s Tears
10. Harbors Of Pity
11. Sorrowed Regret
12. Useless Apologies
13. Sleeping Dogs
14. The King
I love Zakk Wylde. I mean who doesn’t? From barefoot and pretty faced to Viking biker – Zakk is the man.
For me, the softer Zakk reminds me of a time I saw them in Rochester, New York in about 2004. Zakk sat down in a chair and just doodled on his acoustic guitar for a while before breaking into Ozzy’s “Momma I’m Coming Home”. Zakk just sang along with the thunderous crowd, no microphone to make his voice amplify above the others. Us and him. One and all.
That musical moment in time that had been locked in my memory bank is released when listening to Zakk’s new magic – Book of Shadows – Vol. II
Just reading the titles of the songs I believe this album is a retrospective of a man reflecting on the first part of his life by closing the musical chapter with an acoustic intermission.
With a Thank You Zepplineque style intro with Autumn Changes. Zakk has a great range and tone to his voice and it’s a warm welcome to all the Bezerkers who needs a place to hang their weary heads and ringing ears.
The whisper of Allman Brothers in the harmonies of Tears of December I feel as if I’ve been taken back to a place of another time.
Seeping Dogs and Darkest Hours once again just yank at my heartstrings with an unplugged sound that always makes me smile.
I can tell you right now there are not enough words to tell you how much I love this album. Every song.
Useless Apologies was the one that had me trying to sing along by the second chorus so I know that one is my favourite and I cannot wait to hear it performed live.
The entire album from start to finish is one of those ones that long drives and deep thoughts were meant for. The beauty that shines out of this album through the pain Zakk shares again reminds me that it all starts one place. The heart.
I have to admit. I have a very short attention span for a lot of music these days. Book of Shadows II has the kind of love and thoughtfulness that makes me believe all is not lost – I’m not alone in my struggles and someone beat me to the words and made them music.
Book of Souls – II has everything it takes to make me fall in love with an album. Lyrically its profound. Musically it is detailed. Vocally its strong yet versatile.
For a recorded production this is my favorite this year to date.
Thanks Zakk
Written by: Marianne Jacobsen
Ratings: Marianne 10/10
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