Kingcrimsonprog Black Label Society are an American Heavy Metal band featuring virtuoso guitarist Zack Wylde, who is famous for his work with Ozzy Osbourne. 2003’s The Blessed Hellride was their fourth full-length studio album. It has become one of the fan’s favourite Black Label Society releases, and features many tracks that none of the band’s live shows or compilations should be without.

Most of the album centers around a mixture of sounds that will be familiar to fans of Stoner Rock, traditional Heavy Metal and Hard Rock sounds, and the occasional tiniest hints of Southern Rock and Grunge. Its fun, meaty Heavy Metal for the noughties. The lyrics are mostly steeped in biker culture and alcohol, but there is a bit more scope to explore other areas in a few of the tracks.

That being said, its not a whole album of the one style track over and over, there is a certain touch of variety to be found here. The album’s Title Track, ‘The Blessed Hellride’ is an interesting slightly Southern tinged acoustic number. The single ‘Stillborn’ features guest vocals from Ozzy Osbourne and ‘Dead Meadow’ is a bit of a more somber, semi-ballad.

Highlights include the catchy ‘Suffering Overdue,’ the memorable single ‘Funeral Bell’ and the faster, squeal filled ‘Destruction Overdrive.’

Overall; The Blessed Hellride is a good record for Black Label Society fans, the songs are fairly distinctive and there’s a good mixture of heavier moments and variety.