Black Label Society with Conan and The Atomic Bitchwax packed Toronto’s Opera House

Black Label Society, featuring Zakk Wylde, brought their “A” game to Toronto’s Opera House for 2 back-to-back sold out shows. The only Canadian dates on this tour, called 20 Years of Sonic Brewtality, celebrates Black Labels Society’s inception into the music scene. The show highlights their greatest hits, spanning over the last two decades.

Opening the evenings’ events was the trio Conan. This band who self describes their genre as Caveman Battle Doom, hails from the UK. A solid band, with a full-bodied sound, warmed up the early bird crowd with their short set.

As the majestic old venue started to come alive. The Atomic Bitchwax hit the stage. Another 3 piece act from New Jersey performed a 45-minute set. A bit more my speed of music, they embodied an in your face, down and dirty style of Rock and Roll. These guys looked like they were having a blast on stage, enjoying the moment, like they were partying with friends. I had never heard of them before but enjoyed their performance. I would definitely check them out again if the opportunity arose.

Between sets, I decided to get some air before photo call time. When I re-entered the old building I was shocked at the wall of people. Black Label Society had no problem filling that building for two consecutive nights. I feel like this show would have been more suited to a venue like Casino Rama in terms of capacity. Beyond the 3 song photo guidelines, I stood at the back of the venue like a sausage being rolled around, not being able to see anything on stage. I am a tall gal, but it was like today’s metalheads are all 6’5″!

The lights went down and Whole Lotta Sabbath played as an intro. While in the photo pit, I was wondering if there were issues with Zakks mic. I couldn’t hear anything he was saying or singing. I realized later that it must have just been the speaker setups because he was clear as day from the back. Although I couldn’t see anything the sound quality was so much better at the back of the venue. Every note, vocal intonation and drum beat was clear as day. Kudos to their sound engineer for a great mix.

Zakk and his crew know how to bring the house down. The constant energy and impeccable musicianship continue to test the hands of time. It’s no wonder why metal fans are so loyal to the establishment called Black Label Society. Belting out a nearly 2 hour set list like it was a walk in the park, the crowd ate it up.

Some songs performed that evening where Genocide Junkies, Bleed, All That Once Shined, The Blessed Hellride, Fire It Up and Concrete Jungle.

No Black Label Society show would be complete without Zakk roaming through the crowd, surrounded by hoards of camera-happy metal heads taking selfies with the big guy as he shredded their faces off.

I can’t speak much to the visual aspect of the show since I couldn’t see anything, but it really heightened the audio sensibility of the show. Black Label Society is certainly not dependent on a stage presence to mask any discrepancies regarding their musical talents. They are like a fine-tuned engine, running on all cylinders. I enjoyed the audio assault provided by the show that night. There is nothing better than letting out pent up energy through the sound of Rock and Roll, and Zakk Wylde accomplished that for me. Like always, it’s a must-see show. You will not be disappointed.

Don’t forget to head over to their website and pickup your copy of the 20th Anniversary Blend of Sonic Brew. Unfortunately the Toronto shows were the only BLS stops in Canada but for fans of Zakk you can catch him on the road this summer with Black Sabbath and again next year with Ozzy Osbourne. For full tour dates and details visit http://blacklabelsociety.net/

All images are ©SueHebertSadzak