Review of Black Label Society - The European Invasion Doom Troopin' Live (DVD)

Feeding off of the excitement of releasing a top 20 Billboard release here in the States with 2005’s Mafia, Zakk Wylde’s Black Label Society found the time to top off a very successful period in the band’s career with their latest DVD, The European Invasion Doom Troopin’ Live. This finely produced and packaged two disc offering provides you with over 222 minutes of action packed guitar wizardry, some beer guzzling rock n’ roll songs, some great behind the scenes footage capturing both band and crew, and much more.

Starting off the entertainment is a live show of Zakk and the boys playing for a very energetic and enthused French crowd that is obviously eager for Zakk to hit the stage. With the rest of the band in place – not to mention 20 cups or so of Zakk’s favorite beer lined up perfectly within reach on the drum riser – the man begins to rip into what is the first of many, many solos throughout the evening. From there the band proceeds to blaze through several of the fan favorites with "Destruction Overdrive", "Been a Long Time" and "Suffering Overdue" doing well to get the crowd feeling like they’re a part of the action and not just along for the ride. "In this River" was a very touching moment as it was before this song that Zakk dedicated it to the late Dimebag Darrell, as he always does, and broke out a beautiful Dean Dimebag Razorback guitar for the moment. Another highlight of this show was when Zakk pulled out his acoustic and conveniently found a space to sit on the drum riser after having nailed back most of his stock at this point. I’ve always been a sucker for solid acoustic work, and this was no different as my eyes were glued to the screen and Zakk as we twiddled away with his keen talent.

The production is very good both visually and sound-wise. There are many moments where you’ll have some split screen shots, and other times where the visuals are in vibe with Zakk’s whammy bar and will provide a trail effect that is sure to please all of you hallucinogenic freaks out there – hell, I almost wish I was about 20 years younger. The second disc offers up four tracks recorded in London, Backstage Pass – which is 50 minutes of some worthwhile and humorous backstage antics – and three music videos including the making of "Suicide Messiah". All in all this is a great package for BLS fans and I have a hard time not recommending this to you.

Release Details

Black Label Society

The European Invasion Doom Troopin' Live (DVD)

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