Album Review: Zakk Wydle ‘Book Of Shadows II’

Zakk Wylde is beloved for his ruthless shredding in Black Label Society and as a long-time member of Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band. Some however, may be unfamiliar with Wylde’s softer, more ethereal side. Back in 1996, Wylde released his debut solo album ‘Book Of Shadows’, which ventured into a peaceful and soulful realm.

Well, the man with the striped guitar has done it again. 20 years older, with far more experiences and a different perspective, the highly anticipated follow-up album ‘Book Of Shadows II’ sees Wylde creating earthy and powerful music that speaks to the soul and is influenced by Southern rock, blues and Americana.

“The album emphasises song writing and gentle chord progressions as well as Wylde’s trademark gruff vocals.”

The album emphasises song writing and gentle chord progressions as well as Wylde’s trademark gruff vocals. Honestly, ‘Book Of Shadows II’ in all of its Lynyrd Skynyrd worshipping glory, is a step beyond anything that he did with the prequel and hints a bold new era in the history of this bearded rock and roll god.

Beginning the album is the mid tempo tale of deceit and betrayal entitled Autumn Changes, where Wylde delivers a heartfelt vocal with a tinge of hopeful adaptation. Then there is Tears Of December, which combines layered acoustic guitar, drums, bass, and keyboards with a catchy melody to create a standout track, the first of many that appear on the record.

Next comes the track Lay Me Down, which expresses powerful lyrics with beautiful harmonies by both Wylde and backing vocalists. Built by a solid bluesy rock feel is Lost Prayer which has some serious pep in its step, while the subdued Useless Apologies meanders at a slower pace.

Plenty of acoustic guitar can be heard throughout the album, but Wylde also plugs in from time to time, especially during solos. The mood of the album is reserved and introspective, though the tempo varies. Wylde’s vocal style works well with this style of music. He doesn’t have a ton of range, but he voice has a lot of character. If you compare his vocals here with the first ‘Book of Shadows’, he better incorporates subtle textural and dynamic elements into his singing now, giving it more emotional heft.

“If you compare his vocals here with the first ‘Book of Shadows’, he better incorporates subtle textural and dynamic elements into his singing now, giving it more emotional heft.”

While the album runs quite long, with 14 songs clocking in at more than an hour, Wylde nailed the order of the tracklist. A country-flavoured song is followed by a different influenced track like blues or Southern rock. There’s still plenty of continuity, but it helps avoid monotony. Whether he’s unplugged or fully electric, Wylde’s abilities as a guitarist are never in doubt, and that’s definitely the case on ‘Book of Shadows II’.

All in all, ‘Book Of Shadows II’ is an album that reflects on the poignant beauty and frail melancholy of the human condition, things that don’t really change over a mere 20 years. This record is timeless, and to put simply, Book Of Shadows II is one of the pinnacles of Wylde’s impressive career.