Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

I think what began as an unsuspecting side-project for the multi-directional acclaimed guitar player that began as Ozzy's latest guitar recruit has spiraled out of control and led to unforeseen success. Personally, I couldn't conceive of Zakk Wylde's post Pride & Glory routine as being anything more than a one-off that made a statement and little else -- now I can't conceive of what the Metal scene would be without them.

Each album, now reaching their fourth overall, is an intense workout of guitar God groove and straight ahead shred that belies and transcends the boundaries of "Nu-Metal" inasmuch as it contributes to it like few others. Where the term "Metal" is concerned, it's thrown around way more loosely than ever before, further obscuring the term's meaning and significance -- but few could argue Zakk and his band embody it's spirit and strength of purpose more so than their peers.

"1919 Eternal" is another fitting example of angst, outrage and tension relief wrenched at the neck of his six-string weapon of choice. Fourteen more purposeful reasons to believe in the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of pugilism.

"Bleed For Me," and "Lords of Destruction," are a solid opening combination with the former garnering lead single accolades, while "Demise Of Sanity" and Bridge to Cross" represent polar opposites in shred and grace, Wylde opting to expand his reach and recall a bevy of influences that range from Sabbath to Stone Cold to Skynyrd.

"Battering Ram" does just what the title indicates, storming the gates ready to ravage the enemy at first glance; "Genocide Junkies," "Mass Murder Machine," and "Berserkers" tear a gaping hole through complacency and decency in whatever form it employs by way of a dense shred that matches his pointed views and unrestrained vocal plods step by muddy step.

Wylde's latest is again an exercise in pure Rock and bad ass Blues pissing and moaning that flips through another bruising and bloodletting chapter in consistency that offers little change, no apologies, and a take it or leave it attitude of patriotic pride.