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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

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