Cycle of Pain

With each new album by biker-metallists Black Label Society, you basically know what you're going to get. Rather unsurprisingly, you get much of the same on the self-titled debut by Cycle of Pain, who are led by BLS bassist John "J.D." DeServio. Heavy riffs galore rule throughout, while a gaggle of special guests drop by, including some expected (Ozzy/BLS guitarist Zakk Wylde), as well as a few that come completely out of left field (Cypress Hill's Sen Dog). But even with the special guests, most everything on Cycle of Pain could have fit snuggly on the next BLS release, especially such tracks as the "Back in Black"-esque "Dead Man Walking," plus such 100-percent metal grinders as "14 Devils," "M," and the album opening "5." Cycle of Pain will certainly be welcomed with open arms by BLS-heads worldwide. ~ Greg Prato