Zakk Wylde band photo

Zakk Wylde Speaks Out: The Evolution of Metal Albums in the Modern Era

By Jason •
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's frontman weighs in on Nikki Sixx's radical take on full-length records.

In a recent interview with Scott Davidson on Chicago's Rebel Radio, Zakk Wylde, the ferocious frontman of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and longtime axeman for Ozzy Osbourne, delved into the controversial remarks made by MÖTLEY CRÜE's Nikki Sixx regarding the fate of full-length albums in today’s music landscape. While Sixx claims he no longer believes in the necessity of crafting complete records, Wylde provided an insightful counterpoint, suggesting a new approach to releasing music.

"I totally get where Nikki's coming from," Wylde articulated. "But if you've got ten killer tracks, why not unleash them all over time? Back in the day, we had a different game plan when we were creating masterpieces like 'No More Tears'. You'd drop a single, hype it up, release the album, and then follow up with more singles. It’s a whole different beast now, that’s for sure."

Drawing from the annals of metal history, Wylde reminisced about the relentless work ethic of BLACK SABBATH during their heyday. He pointed out how Ozzy would often reflect on the original formula: make a record, embark on a tour, and then dive straight back into the studio to crank out another album. In a span of just five years, SABBATH unleashed six iconic albums – a feat that seems almost mythical in today’s music industry where long tours can stretch for two years.

As for BLACK LABEL SOCIETY’s latest offering, "Engines Of Demolition," released in March via MNRK Heavy, it showcases Zakk's relentless drive to create. Featuring 15 tracks, including the previously released singles like "Name In Blood" and the heartfelt tribute "Ozzy's Song" to his long-time collaborator, the album stands as a testament to Wylde’s commitment to both his band and the metal legacy.

Since forming BLACK LABEL SOCIETY in 1998, Wylde has seamlessly juggled his commitments, balancing his time between electric performances with BLACK LABEL and the legendary Ozzy Osbourne. With previous albums like "Order Of The Black" and "Catacombs Of The Black Vatican" smashing into the top five of hard rock charts, it’s clear that Wylde knows how to keep the metal momentum rolling.

Ultimately, while the industry may be shifting under our feet, Zakk Wylde's ethos remains steadfast: whether it’s full albums or singles, it’s all about delivering the raw power of metal to the fans, one way or another.