Live Review: Zakk Sabbath - O2 Academy, Birmingham
Support: Lowen
5th March 2025
Words & Photos: Tim Finch
Zakk Wylde is a busy man, not only keeping the wheels moving on his Black Label Society, but also touring the world as guitarist for Pantera. Tonight however, The Razor’s Edge are in Birmingham’s O2 Academy for a show of a different kind, ‘Zakk Sabbath’. This is Zakk’s very own Black Sabbath tribute band are with Sabbath high in the public consciousness right now, we should be in for a treat.
Opening the evening are the simply mesmeric Lowen, who’s album ‘Do Not Go To War With Demons of Mazandaran’ topped many album of the year lists in 2024. Their unique fusion of doom metal with Middle Eastern influences provided an atmospheric start to the evening, immersing the audience in their world from the very first note.
From the moment the first song ‘Ashurbanipal's Request’ began the sheer weight of their sound filled the venue. The deep, resonant basslines rumbled through the floor, while the guitar work seamlessly shifted between crushing distortion and hypnotic melodies. The band’s frontwoman Nina Saeidi commanded the stage with an ethereal presence, her vocals soaring above the dense musical backing.
‘The Fortress of Blood’ stood out as a highlight of the set, with its brooding intensity and dynamic shifts keeping the audience captivated. Meanwhile, ‘Najang Bah Divhayeh Mazandaran’ brought a more mystical edge, its intricate rhythms and haunting melodies transporting listeners to distant lands.
Lowen’s blend of crushing doom and evocative storytelling was a stark contrast to the high-energy, riff-driven assault of Zakk Sabbath, yet it complemented the evening perfectly by providing a sonic journey that felt both ancient and timeless.
As the final notes of ‘Ghazal for the Embrace of Fire’ echoed through the venue, it was clear that Lowen had left a lasting impression. Their set was more than just an opening act, it was an experience that stood on its own as a highlight of the night.
After a short change over it’s time for the headline act to take to the stage, with the lights dimmed Zakk Wylde went through his pre-show ritual, dressed as the Ultimate Warrior, phone in hand recording as he ran rampant on stage.
The trio that is Zakk Sabbath tore through a setlist packed with Sabbath classics, bringing Wylde’s signature guitar pyrotechnics and larger-than-life stage presence to the birthplace of Black Sabbath.
From the opening riffs of ‘Supernaut’ it was clear that Zakk Sabbath came to do more than just replicate Sabbath’s music, they came to inject their own raw energy into it. Wylde’s unmistakable guitar tone brought new life to these timeless songs while still honouring their original essence. His presence on stage was nothing short of commanding, whether he was shredding through extended solos or raising his guitar skyward in classic fashion, the unmistakable Zakk Wylde silhouette standing tall against the stage lighting.
The rhythm section, tight and relentless, locked into the groove effortlessly, providing the perfect backbone for Wylde’s sonic assault. ‘Snowblind’ and ‘Tomorrow’s Dream’ were standouts, their bluesy heaviness given an extra dose of grit through Wylde’s ferocious playing. Meanwhile, ‘Fairies Wear Boots’ and ‘Into the Void’ had the crowd chanting along, fully immersed in the sheer power of the performance.
One of the night’s biggest highlights was ‘N.I.B.’ where Wylde launched into one of the most iconic riffs in heavy metal history. ‘War Pigs’ closed the set in epic fashion, with the entire venue singing along to every word, fists raised in the air as the band delivered a crushing finale.
Zakk Sabbath’s performance wasn’t just a tribute, it was a celebration of Black Sabbath’s legacy. With this summers Ozzy/Sabbath farewell just a few short months away, this show served to whet the appitite of what is to come.
Photo Credits: Tim Finch Photography
