Review by Tobias on March 25, 2005.

The true child of Ozz has returned with his heavy doomed out biker metal ready to rock the shit out of anyone who happens to walk close enough. While the previous Black Label Society album, Hangover Music, Vol. VI was designed to give you enjoyment after a long night of whiskey and blistering guitars, Mafia is brought to fire you up.

Frontman Zakk Wylde is an undisputed rock star. And as much as he can shred a fetboard with his distinctive style to thrill masses of beer swillin’, pot smokin’, bearded and tattooed metalheads, he also has an incredible knack for paying homage to those who have helped him grow musically. Ozzy himself is an obvious influence in the vocal styles, and while the New Jersey native exudes southern flavor, most likely picked up from one-time project-mates Lynyrd Skynyrd. In the slow track, “In this River,” Zakk’s classic rock sensibility shines through with what might be a tip of the hat to some of Bruce Springsteen’s most intelligently written pieces. No doubt many influences are buried in that particular song.

BLS never fails to kick ass. They’ve done it again here and while Mafia may not be the crowning achievement from this band, it is unmistakably BLS material with BLS attitude all over it. And while there is nothing shocking enough to send a sensation like a red hot poker up your ass, it is often an album like this with it’s refined and gentle depths underlying the hard rocking that will grow on you and find its way back to your speakers repeatedly.

It isn’t a hard thing to accept and fully enjoy BLS’ Rock Intuition, but in truth, his vocal performance could sour people to him right off the bat. While it isn’t as much a bitter wine as the voice of Neil Young or even Ozzy for that matter, it is unusual. But even his vocal performance ranges enough to make the casual listener wonder if they’ve swapped out singers on different tracks. Of course to anyone paying attention, the vocal dynamics involved from a singular source would be much more obvious.

All in all, Mafia is a dependably kickass record. Tracks such as “Suicide Messiah” and “Say What You Will” get you rolling with heaviness eliciting horn raising and head banging; a great time not to be missed.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8
Originality: 7
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.2 out of 10

Review by JD on March 30, 2011.

Raise the horns and praise the unholy while impaling a weakened Christian on a spit over the brimstone fire of Hades. Sweden’s Thornium is back! One of the best Non-Norwegian black metallers are back and out for blood of innocent and for your souls.

Raw and surging aggression, thundering and very menacing riffs coupled with just the right touches of complete blackness through words and arrangement. Thornium explores the world of the unholiest ones... where angels will never ever venture. This Black Metal monster reminds me sort of Venom on speed with Bathory holding the needle... which is a complement.

With a wall of massive guitars, granite breaking bass licks and the shockingly ghoulish vocals, Thornium shows the world its darkest of thoughts and sadistic needs in every word and note played. Tracks like the brutal 'Virgin Destroyer Redeemer' or the king-maker 'I Am God' are just the tip of this Black Metal iceberg. It is not anything new, but the making of the standard better and stronger.

I like this album a great deal... and why not? It is darkness fuelled metal at its best, while still being familiar as well. I usually look for innovation in the music I listen and review but I also respond to any type of metal that is played really good. My response to Thornium’s "Fides Luciferius" - I raise my horns on high, and let the music overtake me into that netherworld in their minds.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8.5
Originality: 7.5
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.4 out of 10

Review by JD on March 30, 2011.

Raise the horns and praise the unholy while impaling a weakened Christian on a spit over the brimstone fire of Hades. Sweden’s Thornium is back! One of the best Non-Norwegian black metallers are back and out for blood of innocent and for your souls.

Raw and surging aggression, thundering and very menacing riffs coupled with just the right touches of complete blackness through words and arrangement. Thornium explores the world of the unholiest ones... where angels will never ever venture. This Black Metal monster reminds me sort of Venom on speed with Bathory holding the needle... which is a complement.

With a wall of massive guitars, granite breaking bass licks and the shockingly ghoulish vocals, Thornium shows the world its darkest of thoughts and sadistic needs in every word and note played. Tracks like the brutal 'Virgin Destroyer Redeemer' or the king-maker 'I Am God' are just the tip of this Black Metal iceberg. It is not anything new, but the making of the standard better and stronger.

I like this album a great deal... and why not? It is darkness fuelled metal at its best, while still being familiar as well. I usually look for innovation in the music I listen and review but I also respond to any type of metal that is played really good. My response to Thornium’s "Fides Luciferius" - I raise my horns on high, and let the music overtake me into that netherworld in their minds.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8.5
Originality: 7.5
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.4 out of 10