We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text

Review Black Label Society's new single and discuss related music news.

Key Takeaways

• "Name in Blood" is a 9/10 classic BLS track. Its monster riff, tasteful solos, and "chug-and-groove" pace make it the band's best single in a decade.
• A BLS show is set for March 17 at the Orpheum. The lineup includes Dario's Dark Chapel and Zakk Sabbath, with tickets at ~$72–$100.
• Megadeth's new album is the next review topic. The single "Puppet Parade" has a classic '90s thrash tone, but the band's 2001 acoustic album was deemed a failure.

Topics

Black Label Society: "Name in Blood" Review

• The single is a standout track, embodying the classic BLS sound.
• Key Elements:
  • Riff: A "monster" chug-and-groove riff that "swims around the root note."
  • Intro: An ACDC-style clean guitar intro, reminiscent of "Who Made Who."
  • Chorus: A powerful, descending vocal melody with a massive instrumental resolution.
  • Solos: Tasteful and song-serving, featuring Zakk Wylde's signature shred and tasteful double-guitar harmonies.
• Rating: 9/10.
  • Rationale: A near-perfect track, but a 10/10 is reserved for masterpieces like Metallica's "Master of Puppets."
• Concern: The track is so strong it may overshadow the rest of the album, a pattern seen with past singles like "Set You Free."

BLS Live Show & Album Details

• Event: Black Label Society at the Orpheum in Vancouver, BC.
• Date: March 17, 2026.
• Lineup:
  • Dark Chapel (Dario's band)
  • Zakk Sabbath (Zakk Wylde's Black Sabbath cover set)
  • Black Label Society
• Album Release: The new album drops March 27, 2026, ten days after the show.

Music News & General Discussion

• Metallica: 25th anniversary of Jason Newsted's departure.
  • Rumor: A Vegas Sphere residency is planned for late 2026/early 2027.
• Rob Zombie & Marilyn Manson Tour: An East Coast/Southern US tour was announced.
  • Manson's Early Philosophy: His '90s interviews revealed a sharp intellect and a belief that music reflects, rather than causes, societal issues like poor parenting.
• Megadeth: The new self-titled album is out this Friday.
  • Single "Puppet Parade": Features a classic '90s thrash tone.
  • "Unplugged in Boston" (2001): The acoustic album was criticized for awkwardly translating thrash songs like "Symphony of Destruction" without proper re-arrangement.

Next Steps

• Mike & Sebastian: Decide whether to attend the March 17 BLS show.
• Mike & Sebastian: Review Megadeth's new album for next week's episode.

Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

Contact Mandatory Music:
email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com
find us on Facebook search mandatory music
Instagram: mandatory_music1
Twitter(X) @mandatory_music

Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text

• Alter Bridge - Alter Bridge
  • The band's 8th studio album is a "grower" that improves with repeated listens.
  • Vocal Performance (Miles Kennedy):
    • Critique: Most tracks feature a "showing off" style that lacks authenticity and makes songs sound interchangeable.
    • Exception: "Slave to Master" is raw and emotional, with vocals perfectly serving the song's narrative.
  • Guitar Performance (Mark Tremonti):
    • Praise: Top-tier riff-making with unique, nuanced phrasing (slides, bends) that avoids straight-ahead clichés.
  • "Scales Are Falling":
    • The vocal cadence in the chorus is nearly identical to Judas Priest's "Turbo Lover."
  • "Slave to Master" (9-minute epic):
    • Praise: A career-best song with a powerful, emotional solo compared to David Gilmour's work.
    • Rationale: The solo is purpose-driven, not just flashy, making it the song's "emotional heartbeat."
  • Self-Titled Album:
    • Interpretation: A statement of confidence, declaring "this is who we are" eight albums in, rather than a debut.
• Other Metal Bands:
  • Gojira: New album rumored for 2026 release.
  • Angus McSix: New album coming with a new singer after Thomas Winkler's departure.
  • Amon Amarth: Praised for their unique blend of power and death metal, and their impressive live show (Viking boat).
  • Sabaton: Also praised; the drummer is partnered with singer Floor Jansen.

Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

Contact Mandatory Music:
email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com
find us on Facebook search mandatory music
Instagram: mandatory_music1
Twitter(X) @mandatory_music

Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text

This week on Mandatory Music, we dive deep into the fascinating and often tragic story of Days of the New—one of the most eccentric and misunderstood bands to emerge from the ’90s alternative scene. From their explosive debut and unique acoustic-driven sound to internal turmoil, creative brilliance, and a heartbreaking unraveling, we trace the band’s journey from promising beginnings to a bitter end. It’s a story of talent, tension, and what happens when success collides with instability. If you remember the music—or want to understand what really happened—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

Contact Mandatory Music:
email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com
find us on Facebook search mandatory music
Instagram: mandatory_music1
Twitter(X) @mandatory_music

Thanks for listening and keep on rocking