Doom Crew Inc.
| Black Label Society
Doom Crew Inc.
Black Label Society is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1998 by guitarist/singer Zakk Wylde. To date, the band has released eleven studio albums, two live albums, two compilation albums, one EP, and three video albums. Wikipedia
Critic Reviews
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Sonic Perspectives
Zakk Wylde and the boys of the Black Label Society have gone back to basics, dug deep and delivered an album rooted in the golden age of classic metal, and full of soul and variety. As the name indicates, “Doom Crew” is a genuine love letter to the fans of BLS.
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Sputnik Music
So all in all, even though Doom Crew Inc. sounds like Black Label Society on auto-pilot, it's still enjoyable but I seriously doubt that it warrants repeated listens. Lastly, I can't help but wonder where does this band goes from here and how much has Zakk left in the tank.
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Kerrang!
Guitars are prominent throughout, of course, but it’s not just the mainman’s talent on display. Dario Lorina has been promoted from his largely rhythmic role on last album Grimmest Hits, with the result that Doom Crew Inc. spills over with twin guitar melodies and competing and intertwined solos. So, there are little tweaks, but overall this is BLS doing what they do best, no more and no less. It’s another spectacularly solid offering from a band who both know and own the role they play.
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Distorted Sound Magazine
Doom Crew Inc. is more than a fitting tribute to the loyal fans and road crew, and marks the beginning of a new and exciting time for a band that really needed a new lease of life.
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TA Magazine
Ultimately, BLS fans will enjoy Doom Crew Inc. The album is diverse offering cohesive blend of doom laden metal, sad ballads and blues tinged hard rock. Perhaps the one sticking point is the album’s 63 minute length. However, that is eclipsed by the band’s musicianship and the monolithic riffs of Wydle and Lorina. Doom Crew Inc. is a dedication to the band’s road crew and fans, and the band pull out all the stops on this one.
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The Sludgelord
So, this is most likely a good-great BLS album; not quite top tier, but not too far off as things stand. That Zakk and co. are still around and putting out quality records is to be celebrated in itself. That the records are this good is an even bigger bonus. It's one to look forward to, get into and enjoy. I'd say it would fit in the top half of the catalogue, or thereabouts.
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mxdwn Music
With twelve well-organized tracks to relish, Black Label Society has created another hit album that gives off the warm, fuzzy feelings of sentimentality. Doom Crew Inc. is an album that displays their mastery of consistency, and luckily for us, these guys sure do know how to rock.
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Spill Magazine
While Black Label Society may not be reinventing the wheel on their latest album, Doom Crew Inc. proves to be a tour de force. The band effortlessly finds its place between rock and metal while balancing elements of blues and classic rock along with heavier and sludgier influences, along with the occasional but no less soulful ballad. Doom Crew Inc. takes the band beyond the limits of their recent albums while digging deep with their heavier roots. As a result, it can stand beside their classic records as a strong addition to Black Label Society’s catalogue, making it a latter career highlight for the band.
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Blabbermouth
Part classic rock tearjerker, part soul-searching odyssey, it's a magical moment on an album that takes the best of BLACK LABEL past and allows it to blossom anew for a fresh and highly fruitful new era. This is one of the strongest albums Wylde has ever made, and a very definite highlight in the BLS catalogue. Remind yourself why we love him so much.
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Wall of Sound
For the BLS faithful, I don’t have to sell this to you. It is every bit the driven, powerful music you’ve been raising your horns to for decades, just a little gentler and maudlin at times. If you’re new to BLS, maybe grab The Blessed Hellride instead and go from there. But track down their live shows and suss out their new videos on Youtube. The way these new videos are lining up, they’re so goofy I wish they’d film one for every song on this album.
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KNAC
Doom Crew, Inc. once more continues the beautiful simplicity of BLS bangers while owing everything to the lessons Wylde first heard on We Sold Our Soul For Rock N’ Roll. “Less is more with everything,” he says, “Except the guitar solos.” And few amongst his own crew can argue the validity of his statement upon a couple of listens of this to-the-point offering here.
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Ghost Cult Magazine
Zakk shredded in every song, be it electric guitar, acoustic or even the piano! With his his longest serving lineup of players, the entire band was tremendous and in the zone the entire set, even for the first show of the tour. His duels with fellow guitarist Dario Lorina are becoming the stuff of legends. Meanwhile the rock solid rhythm section of Jeff Fabb on drums and John DeServio on bass slay all set long too. Between dramatic smoke pots, cool lighting, and great songs, it felt like an even bigger show than it was.
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Metal Injection
At their best, Black Label Society is one of metal's finest acts. They are talented, energetic and a whole lot of fun, But at their worst, they can become unoriginal. Doom Crew Inc. is not a bad record, but it occupies a lower spot in Black Label Society's overall ranking. The jury definitely isn't out on Wylde though. Judging by how he shreds, this guy has plenty of gas left in the tank. Most of all, he's still having the time of his life. After 30 years, it's hard to ask any more than that.
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