A Night Of Shredding: Zakk Wylde And Friends Rock Out At Mystic Lake
A sunny and breezy Wednesday evening began with a leisurely drive down to Mystic Lake Casino. It has been a hot minute since I’ve been to Mystic, and by hot minute, I mean before the remodel and before they had alcohol. During college, enjoyed going down there with friends for the midnight bingo and all the pop I could drink. So when I saw Zakk Wylde and his gang of talented associates would be performing a triple threat of a show, couldn’t resist and knew I had to go.
So my usual stress moment when it comes to shows is the dreaded parking situation. Was kind of nervous due to it being a monster building complex, but was pleasantly surprised when I turned into a nice parking garage with only two levels, not too confusing. Parked on the roof, of course it’s free, it’s a casino, so don’t worry about bringing those quarters. Parked and walked into the main casino entrance. They definitely spent some time designing cause it really looks good. Yes, it’s also been a decade or two since being there, but still. Tons of food and restaurants to pick from, but was trying to make my way to the box office so ignored the siren song of potstickers and pizza by the slice tempations. Winding my way through the machines and lights, saw a snaking line heading to the Showroom doors past the merch. $40 for a shirt. Not bad. They could for sure charge more with the demand. Huzzah for not gouging your fans.
Doors were at 6:00pm and show started right at 6:30pm. About halfway full before Dark Chapel started off the show. Seats are comfortable and theater was a lot bigger than I thought it would be, wandered to the front to chat up some fellow early birds before the concert kicked off. Lots were there just to admire Wylde’s talents, but many were Ozzy fans first before anything else. The t shirt game was on point, lots of sick shows from yesteryear dotting the crowd. Which also had good variety. Mom and dads brining their kids to enjoy music together, a few “woo” girls (girls that go WOOOOOOO the entire time,) and some regular good ol’ metalheads.
First on deck was Las Vegas born band, Dark Chapel. Fresh from their first LP release in 2025 “Spirit In The Grass,” was extra pumped to see a fresh band with some mega talent perform live. Formed by Dario Lorina of Black Label Society, who joined BLS in 2014 after earning his stripes as a touring guitarist for Jani Lane at only SIXTEEN years old, then joining Lizzy Borden. So yeah, they are probably going to kick ass.
Yep. They did and they do. Melodic and confident guitar accompanied a very familiar tone in the music, but had a bit of spunk that I was not expecting. The energy was there, crowd was also slowly filling out the sold-out show. Even though Dark Chapel played for only a half an hour, could have easily hung out watching them for a full headliner set. Stealing the show for me was their animated and quicksilver fast drummer, Luis Silva. A session drummer from Las Vegas he is not anymore, he IS the drummer of Dark Chapel. Now, I am a gal who typically goes for the bassist in the band. Love their calm collected swag that typically comes with a heavy heap of humor and sass. Silva has the magic. Between epic drumming, standing up to engage the crowd in some very cool sunglasses and receiving much love in return from the audience. Though Dark Chapel may be “new” as a group, every member showed that they have staying power. Here’s hoping they climb that mountain swiftly to be a headliner, def have the bones for it.
Between setups, got a beer from concessions that wasn’t 8 million dollars. $9 after tax for a 16 oz. That’s what I like to see. They also sell candy, popcorn, and other refreshments inside the Showroom. You can leave to pop out for a smoke or go to the casino with a simple hand stamp at doors on your way out, so easy reentry if you need a little escape. Bathrooms are on the right side of the concession counter, easy peasey navigation.
Zakk Wylde was pulling double duty, Zakk Sabbath being the first of the two he’d command that night. Since they have been performing larger-than-life covers of Black Sabbath songs since 2014, they have got the finesse of a well oiled machine. Some of the best musicians in the world are on stage at once. It’s almost too heavenly. Drummer Joey Castilla of Danzig and Queens Of The Stoneage was wild to see. So fast and powerful. Then of course bassist Rob “Blasko” Nicolson from Ozzy and Rob Zombie was epic to see inches from my face. The titan Zakk Wylde, dressed in a flowy kilt (which he DID change for the next band, from yellow to a classic red and black) is almost larger than life. I have seen him live many times, and by God, he is a God. Some people can play guitar, for Wylde it seems to be an extension of his body. Oh, you can’t play guitar blindly? Oh, so you can’t play a guitar behind your head without missing a note? Oh, and you can’t probably use your tongue instead of a can’t to solo, right? Well, Zakk can. And he can do it perfectly. He also went out into the audience to play for the crowd up close in the balcony, giving people a good close look on how amazing he is. It isn’t bragging when talking about his talents, just facts. Five precious songs wasn’t enough.
With much anticipation, Black Label Society went on a little past start time. Zakk Sabbath went a wee bit over due to hanging out shredding in the audience for longer than planned. So many great songs in their extensive catalog since forming in 1998, was vibrating with all the questions that everyone has at a show including what they would open with. A giant skull emblazoned curtain covered the stage, billowing in the wind and movements of the bandmembers assembling behind it. In epic fashion, just as the opening song “Funeral Bell” charged on, curtain was dropped and the show exploded into being.
Zakk not only can play guitar that makes the devil quake, he also has a voice that can be recognized anywhere. The range is perfect for almost any metal song, but love when he gets to go low and show it off with his growly inflections. It’s pure ear candy, and everyone had the appetite for it at Mystic. No one was in their cushy seats, rocking out like it was their first concert. Being my first time seeing a show at a casino, wasn’t sure the vibes would be all there. Song after song was hit after hit. So many of my favorites including “Suicide Messiah” were presented perfectly. Black Label Society is one of those bands that gets better every time they play, and every time they do is an Ace. Really loved the set design, too. Dripping in red light most times, Zakk had a little platform he could pop up onto to make sure the crowd could see his shredding without too much neck cranking. Particularly enjoyed the stack of skulls for a mic stand.
Jees Louise. I will relish those memories of seeing the most legendary hands in rock and roll history play. It was magical.
