On Wednesday night Black Label Society played in Montreal QC to an ecstatic enthusiastic crowd at MTELUS Centre and delivered a flawless performance.

The assignment of kicking the night off went to the American sludge metal band from New Orleans EyeHateGod. If you didn’t know better you’d say mosh pits were made for these guys.  From the very first moment the guitars started humming to the last song the pit was hopping and bouncing around with so much energy you weren’t quite sure where this world-wind would end up. Even if you didn’t have any musical acumen you could still get a feel for how much these guys enjoy and believe in what they do on stage.  Southern blues and deep groovy riffs are only one part of their show.  You have to be there to feel the intensity and emotions to get the real picture. You can’t help but move and bounce around with the crowd as they pump out song after song and drive the room into a frenzy of excitement. This is my second time seeing EyeHateGod and I’m sure there’s a third show in my future.

Up next was Corrosion of Conformity an American heavy metal band from Raleigh, North Carolina who formed back in 1982 – and just got better with time.  I’ve been a fan of COC since forever but I really didn’t know what to expect in a live show of theirs. After seeing this show I can honestly says they have what it takes to rock into the future with ease and I’d be more than happy to follow them into it.  True, pure and distinct sounding vocals, guitars and bass that compliment each song with solos that were exquisitely placed made this a show to remember and one I’ll recall for a long time. My favorite songs were “Albatross” and “Wolf Named Crow”.  Go check them out for yourself – you won’t regret it.

Finally, with the drop of the curtain Black Label Society and  Zakk Wylde hit the stage in full force.  Wylde standing in position in front of a mic surrounded with skulls, in his familiar kilt, scrolling through the fretboard of his guitar set the pace for the night.  As I looked around all I could see and hear was the screaming fans who came to see the master himself.  Wylde utilizes an armory of techniques to create his particular sound and a style that we’ve all become attuned to. Tonight Black Label Society absolutely crushed it.  This was my first time seeing them live and it met and exceeded anything I had imagined. It’s one thing to see Zakks guitar shredding mastery in video’s and DVD’s but to see him execute his craft live and in front of you is nothing less than minding blowing – taking it to another level of playing.  I highly recommend you catch these guys on tour when they are in your area.  You will never forgive yourself if you miss them. The night was a 10/10 in this reviewers opinion.

 

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