FusionKing
You may have at some point in life wondered...'what would it sound like if there were to be a ferocious battle between a gang of 1920's Sicillian crooks and a crowd of rowdy Hell's Angels, a case of Harley's and rifles hidden in instrument cases?' well, the answer is Black Label Society's 'Mafia'. This is hefty, grimey doom laden metal. The guitar work is bone crunchingly deep and heavy, the bass is very noticeable and the drums thud away with passion- all of which are a result of the loud and full production which this album has recieved. Zakk's whiskey fuelled vocals are most enjoyable indeed, the manner in which he writes the lyrics is not all too different to how he does so with Ozzy Osbourne. 'Mafia' has a very distinctive firey, Southern feel to it, of which the only negative thing that can be said about it, is that it lacks the youthful electricity when it comes to guitar work that Zakk Wylde brought to our attention on albums such as 'No Rest For The Wicked' and 'No More Tears' back when he started out with Ozzy. This is the case with much of the album. Look out for...'Fire It Up', 'Suicide Messiah', 'Forever Down' and 'Spread Your Wings', my personal favourites. Thus said, it is not a disappointment and nor is it a masterpiece, but if you like Zakk and a bit of good, grinding Southern Metal, then this is the one for you.