Kings Of Damnation

Spitfire Records www.zakkwylde.com

Review by O.M.O.M. 

“…I just thought it was way too early to be doing this type of shit,” writes Zakk Wylde in the liner notes of Kings Of Damnation, a compilation of tracks from 1998 to 2004.  Ah yes, the former label compilation cash-in.  A long time staple of record labels and sometimes bane of departed artists; anyone remember in the mid to late eighties when Aerosmith hit it big on Geffen and Columbia threw out the extremely spotty Classics Live Vol. I and II?  At least Spitfire had the decency to contact Zakk and ask him to contribute, even if it was just a handwritten note for the liner.  To be honest, counting the pre-BLS material (Pride & Glory, Book of Shadows reissues), Spitfire has seven studio discs to draw from.  Hell, Hollywood Records released a Hilar(it)y Duff greatest hits off of two releases. 

Featuring nineteen tracks total from 1998 to 2004 with two unreleased tracks, “Doomsday Inc.” and “SDMF,” Kings Of Damnation covers all of Zakk Wylde’s studio output before leaving Spitfire to hook up with Artemis Records.  The compilation serves as a good starting point for those unfamiliar with Zakk’s earlier work but may leave longtime Society Dwellers wishing for more unreleased or b-side material.  I’m glad to see the inclusion of pre Black Label Society material on the disc (Pride & Glory has been a longtime fav of mine).  One long time beef I have is with the mix of BLS debut cd Sonic Brew; can I start a petition to get Spitfire to remix that sucker?  It’s a great disc but am I the only one that thinks it sounds like it was mixed in a garbage can?  Thankfully, someone in the BLS camp cleaned some eardrums for the mixes of later releases allowing tunes from Stronger Than Death, 1919 Eternal and The Blessed Hellride to flex some serious muscle (not to mention the Book Of Shadows-esque Hangover Music Vol. IV) and alcohol fueled attitude. 

Bottom line: Kings Of Damnation is a great addition to those new to the Zakk Wylde/Black Label Society camp, though Spitfire should have rewarded long time SDMF’s with a bonus disc of rarities/covers/live goodies.