By Isabella Ardetto, Contributor

[MNRK Heavy; 2025]

Rating: 9/10

Black Label Society “Berserkers” know Zakk Wylde as the band’s lead and one of metal’s most celebrated guitarists, but BLS’ new single reveals the frontman’s apparent love for cinema as well. Released on Feb. 21, the Mad Max 2-referencing “Lord Humungus” is gritty, growling, and gruff—fitting both for the character and Black Label Society’s signature sound. 

The song starts with heavy guitar riffs that invite a sense of impending doom, and like a battle car barreling into sight over the desert, pounding drums invite the song to march forward and the rest of the band to follow suit. Zakk Wylde takes on the persona of Lord Humungus, with lyrics like “Wheels of rolling thunder/ Destruction fills the air” and “Within the horror of the wasteland/ Where they walk without fear” that demand and capture the listener’s attention as the image of a desert wasteland overtaken by motor-warriors is painted sonically. 

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While the song takes on a more serious “call-to-arms” type of energy, the music video can only be described as bizarre. Clad in Lord Humungus-esque hockey masks and inflatable sumo suits, Black Label Society races across a psychedelic sound stage on three-wheelers as lightning and neon LED lights flash around them. Again, bizarre yet an absolutely entertaining and fun supplement for the single that is a must watch. 

Last September, BLS released another single titled “The Gallows” via MNRK Heavy. The recent releases have raised questions about a new album—what would be the band’s 12th studio LP. In an interview with Lipps Service with Scott Lipps in September 2024, Wylde suggested this next album could arrive by late 2025. 

Whether or not the sound of “Lord Humungus” gives any indication for Black Label Society’s next album is yet to be seen, but for now, Berserkers and metal fans alike can enjoy the single’s dual savageness and hilarity.

Listen here:

https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/23rrbT4rvGKi7ALXJnYEtb?utm_source=generator