Black Label Society: Unblackened

It's hard to get excited about a rock band that sports such a generic sound, but fans who've been following guitarist Zakk Wylde since his years with Ozzy Osbourne certainly may feel otherwise about Unblackened, which captures a stripped-down set at Los Angeles's Club Nokia in 2013 featuring Wylde, guitarist Nick Catanese, and bassist John DeServio, who all remain seated the entire time (ironically, concertgoers on the floor have to stand due to the lack of seats). The other players include drummer Chad Szeliga, vocalist Greg Locascio, and keyboard player Derek Sherinian. The songs are serviceable, and Wylde doesn't have a bad voice, but the end result plays like a less distinctive, mumble-heavy cross between Lynyrd Skynyrd and Alice in Chains. Within the “unplugged” configuration, Wylde alternates between rockers and power ballads on songs including “Stillborn,” “The Blessed Hellride” and “In This River.” Extras include an interview with Wylde, a visit to a British prison where Wylde plays two songs and takes questions from the audience, and a music video for “Losin' Your Mind.” Presented in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and LPCM stereo on Blu-ray, this is a strong optional purchase. (K. Fennessy)