Black Label Society brought a wall of sound to Wellmont Theater on April 3, delivering a powerful, no-frills night of heavy music that felt more like a homecoming celebration than just another tour stop. With Zakk Wylde returning to his home state of New Jersey, the energy inside the sold-out theater was immediate and undeniable.
Dark Chapel Opens with Precision and Atmosphere
Kicking off the evening was Dark Chapel, led by guitarist and vocalist Dario Lorina, who many fans already know from his role in Black Label Society. Joined by Dylan Dice (guitar), Mike Gunn (bass), and Carlos Silva (drums), the band delivered a set that blended sludgy grooves, melodic hooks, and bluesy undertones.
Drawing from their 2025 debut LP Spirit in the Glass (MNRK Heavy), Dark Chapel struck a balance between heavy and atmospheric, offering a dynamic opening that steadily pulled the crowd in. Lorina’s playing was both controlled and expressive, reflecting years of experience that began when he hit the road at just 16 with the late Jani Lane and later with Lizzy Borden before joining Black Label Society in 2014.
Zakk Sabbath Channels the Spirit of Heavy Metal’s Roots
Next up, Zakk Sabbath took the stage, paying homage to Black Sabbath with a crushing set of classics. Featuring Wylde on guitar and vocals, alongside Lorina, John DeServio (bass), and Jeff Fabb (drums), the band leaned into the raw heaviness that defined the original recordings.
Tracks like “Children of the Grave,” “Snowblind,” and “War Pigs” were delivered with intensity and respect, capturing the essence of Sabbath while still carrying Wylde’s signature tone. The performance felt less like a tribute act and more like a continuation of the genre’s lineage.
Black Label Society Delivers Power, Emotion, and New Material
Black Label Society hit the stage and tore straight into “Funeral Bell,” immediately setting the tone with crushing riffs and a heavy groove. The set pulled from their latest release, Engines of Demolition, their twelfth studio album released March 27, 2026, and their first full-length since 2021. The album features the standout track “Name In Blood” and includes “Ozzy’s Song,” a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne that reflects Zakk Wylde’s long-standing connection with the legendary frontman.
Emotion played a key role throughout the night, particularly during “In This River,” where images of Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul appeared on screen, making for one of the most powerful moments of the set. That connection carried through with “Ozzy’s Song,” while the inclusion of “No More Tears” further tied Wylde’s legacy to his years alongside Ozzy, linking past and present in a way that resonated with the crowd.
The band closed with “Stillborn,” ending the night with authority and leaving no doubt about their lasting impact.
A Night Fueled by Brotherhood and Stamina
One of the most impressive aspects of the evening was the sheer workload carried by the musicians. Lorina, DeServio, and Fabb each performed across multiple sets, shifting seamlessly between Dark Chapel, Zakk Sabbath, and Black Label Society. That level of endurance and cohesion added another layer to an already powerful night.
With Wylde back in his home state, the connection between band and audience felt especially strong. The Wellmont Theater became more than just a venue, it became the setting for a night that celebrated history, musicianship, and the unbreakable bond between artist and crowd.
Setlists
Black Label Society:
Whole Lotta Sabbath, Funeral Bell, Name in Blood, Destroy & Conquer, A Love Unreal, Heart of Darkness, No More Tears (Ozzy Osbourne cover), In This River, The Blessed Hellride, Set You Free, Fire It Up, Suicide Messiah, Ozzy’s Song, Instrumental Jam, Stillborn
Zakk Sabbath:
Children of the Grave, Snowblind, Orchid, Fairies Wear Boots, N.I.B., War Pigs
Dark Chapel:
Afterglow, Hollow Smile, Sign of Life, Hit of Your Love, Ain’t No Sunshine (Bill Withers cover), We Are Remade
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