Grimmest Hits

Despite its title, Grimmest Hits is not a compilation but Black Label Society’s tenth studio record, packed with the band’s heaviest strengths. Zakk Wylde’s thick riffs, pinched harmonics and phrases carrying southern-rock and blues flavor dominate the album. The weight of “Room of Nightmares” and “Trampled Down Below” coexists with the more melodic side of “A Love Unreal.” Slow, dragging grooves and acoustic passages all lead back to Wylde’s unmistakable guitar voice. It is heavy, rough-edged and surprisingly full of songcraft.