Page 17 - RockRevoltMagazine-Fall2016

Zakk Wylde
Zakk Wylde is a name that sparks If you’ve ever watched an episode earthy 70s-inspired soul, blues, and
instant, voracious guitar- of “That Metal Show” featuring country, with a owing undercurrent
geek chatter: discussions of Wylde’s Zakk Wylde as a guest, then you know of spiritually prone lyricism. The album
hellbound pinch harmonics, rapid- re the madcap personality and perennial is de nitely the high-water mark of
picking that crescendos into a swirling prankster that is another side of his Zakk’s ability as a musician to not just
vortex of wah wah-induced vibrato, persona. I was given a crash course in wail on the guitar, but rather convey
and stomp ‘n crunch rhythmic attack this immediately upon Zakk answering a whole new dimension of emotion
that is the stu of six-string legend, the phone call for this short interview, through his song.
nearly 30 years into his professional much to my delight, as I have always
career. During that time, he’s been a enjoyed this part of the Zakk Wylde Zakk talked with Rock Revolt
sideman as well as full-on collaborator aura – it’s like a rite of passage to have about the “Book of Shadows
for Ozzy Osbourne’s most successful been the recipient of his zany leg- II” album, and the process that went
post-Sabbath album, “No More Tears,” pulling media treatment. into it, and also about some of his
as well as created the Black Label plans beyond the current tour. A truly
Society brand during the late 1990s Zakk is smack in the middle of a honest, refreshing candor to him, Zakk
preaching his doomed-out gospel to tour supporting his latest solo seems poised to take his career to even
Black Label “chapters” worldwide. As of release – “Book of Shadows II.” The higher levels with a work ethic that
late, he’s been heavily involved in his album is the follow-up to 1996s “Book knows no bounds, and a commitment
Wylde Audio imprint, which he designs of Shadows,” a 20-year gap of which to the music of which many artists can
everything from guitars and ampli ers, Zakk has no problem poking fun. “Book take heed.
right down to all the accessories a of Shadows II” is not quite the decibel-
player will ever need – to his exact reigning axe attack many would expect
specs, or course. However, the music is from Zakk, but rather the songwriter
just one side of Wylde’s character. in him shining through to the highest
level – exposing his penchant for

by Mark Urichek
Concert Photos by Estil Robinson
Portrait Photos by Justin Reich