Black Label Society Shredded The Factory for a High Intensity Show

September 16, 2026 Sean Derrick

–by Sean Derrick

Zakk Wylde’s appearance at The Factory on Friday capped off a week of guitar gods in St. Louis (AC/DC on Tuesday and Billy Idol ((Steve Stevens)) on Thursday). The metal axe slinger was in town as part of a rescheduled show from this past spring and pulled double duty for the night as he fronted not only his band Black Label Society, but also the tribute band Zakk Sabbath.

Zakk Sabbath was formed in 2014 and features Wylde on guitar and vocals, with Joey Castillo on drums and Black Label Society mate John DeServio filling in for Robert “Blasko” Nicholson who is on tour with Rob Zombie, currently. For this show BLS drummer filled in for Castillo.

Zakk Sabbath performing at The Factory in Saint Louis on Friday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

If you have never seen Zakk Sabbath they play a variance of Black Sabbath songs that can include extended jam sessions to deliver the spirit and attitude of the Black Sabbath era. That is what sets this band apart from simply being a cover band.

They confidently tore through 5 Black Sabbath classics “Children of the Grave”, “Snowblind”, “Fairies Wear Boots”, “N.I.B.”, and “War Pigs”.

Dark Chapel opened the show with a 30-minute intense set and was fronted by BLS guitarist Dario Lorina.

By the time BLS hit the stage there was already an abundance of hair whipping happening with solid riffs abound.

Black Label Society ripped through a 13-song set that was split between newer material and songs from 2003’s The Blessed Hayride and 2005’s Mafia. The band is touring in support of their latest album, Engines of Demolition, which dropped in March, the first since longtime friend Ozzy Osbourne passed last July.

Tributes to Ozzy were plentiful. From the entire Zakk Sabbath set, to Zakk’s tribute song “Ozzy’s Song” and a shortened version of Ozzy’ hit “No More Tears” that he co-wrote, to chants of “Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy” emanating throughout the crowd the spirit of Ozzy was all around.

In true BLS fashion “In This River” was sung with giant posters of Dimebag Darrell and his brother, Vinnie Paul and played in honor of both.

Honor and loyalty run deep in the Wylde camp, and is front and center in heritage, his beliefs, and remembering fallen fellow musicians. His commitment to the music and immense intensity flow out over the stage and is felt by anyone within earshot.