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CD: Black Label Society - Stronger Than Death	Released: 2000
Reviewed By: Gautham Khandige (deathrider)	Rating: (4.5/5)

Zakk Wylde will always be remembered for his contribution to Ozzy Osbourne's solo career. His own work with the underrated Pride and Glory and his solo album "Book Of Shadows" seem destined to fester in bargain bins. Black Label Society is Wylde's band. He writes the music, performs most of the music and sings.

"Stronger Than Death" is the second release of BLS and stands out as being an old fashioned groovy headbanger's delight.

The album kicks off with the driving "All For You." This song with its grinding groove lays down the law for the rest of the album to follow. Wylde's forte seems to be in coming up with memorable rhythm guitar parts and you will find these in abundance on this album. The superb "13 Years Of Grief" is another album highlight. With "Rust" Wylde lays down a memorable ballad and the acoustic guitar on this song is quite mellow and ver nice. After this melancholic song comes "Superterrorizer." A charged up thrashy metal song that will leave with no alternative but to raise your fist to the sky and bang your head like there's no tomorrow. "Just Killing Time" is the albums second ballad and is another winner with its piano and Wylde's whiskey soaked voice turning in a wonderfully understated performance. The title song is another very strong piece of song writing and is my personal favorite on this album. Album closer "Love Reigns Down" makes sure that this album closes out just as strongly as it had started.

Wylde's guitar playing is memorable throughout and while he seems a little restrained with the leads his rhythm work more than makes up for it. There is a general feeling of melancholy on this album with respect to the lyrics and the music.

This is a fine slab of old fashioned heavy metal with plenty of attitude and balls. Any fan of heavy metal will find something to like in this album.