Less a tribute and more a supergroup dedicated to spreading the gospel according to all things Sabbath - Zakk Sabbath and their latest live campaign, Tour Forever / Forever Tour reiterated they remain in a class all their own.
The project is spearheaded by beloved frontman in his own right Zakk Wylde - whose resume includes a lengthy tenure as Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist, chief of the Black Label Society and his most recent post as guitarist for Pantera. Credentials aside, there is a grade of authenticity rooted in the collective trio that offers unique testament to the enduring legacy of Black Sabbath.
Rounded out by bassist Robert “Blasko” Nicholson whose work includes touring with Ozzy and a recent reunion with Rob Zombie, as well as drum kit veteran Joey Castillo whose resume includes everyone from Queens of the Stone Age, Danzig, Circle Jerks, The Bronx, Trash Talk and many more - the trio closed out their Tour Forever / Forever Tour run that saw sold out rooms across the country.
Trekking ahead of the march 1st release of the stellar double album, Doomed Forever Forever Doomed, Zakk Sabbath reverently paid homage to the timeless heft of some of Sabbath's most definitive work, performing electrifying renditions of the songs of 1970's Paranoid and 1971's Master of Reality.
Bringing their live stretch to a spectacular close, Zakk Sabbath held services at the altar of Sabbath, converting the Belasco Theater of Los Angeles into an evening of raucous ritual. Given the individual credentials of each of the players, their combined onstage prowess was marvelous, tapping into the ethos of metal's foundation with the kind of set that made songs familiar for generations feel fresh.
Showing true reverence for their predecessors by executing such sterling, note-for-note renditions, Zakk Sabbath glorify the greats the and with the kind of live ceremony that champions the culture of heavy music and the pioneers that paved the way.
Check the gallery of images from photographer Maurice Nunez below.
