Live ReviewThe American crusade tour ripped through the palace theatre in albany, ny on 8/25/26 - featuring black label society, zakk sabbath and dark chapel
Black Label Society rolled into Albany’s Palace Theatre on Tuesday night for a show built almost entirely around the music world of Zakk Wylde. With Dark Chapel opening, Zakk Sabbath providing a full set of Sabbath classics, and BLS closing out the show, there was no shortage of massive riffs. As usual, I grabbed my old Nikon and traveled north to the venue, having been graciously provided a photo pass by the BLS camp.
Dark Chapel hit the stage first with a hard-hitting set that got the attention of everyone in attendance. Led by BLS guitarist Dario Lorina, the four-piece brought a stripped-down sound with melodic hooks and crunchy riffs. The band wasted no time and hit the stage with purpose, delivering a set that was tight and focused and served as a strong introduction for anyone who may not have yet been acquainted.
Next came Zakk Sabbath, Wylde’s Sabbath tribute featuring bassist JD DeServio and drummer Jeff Fabb. I was stoked for this set, as I had never caught Zakk Sabbath live before. When I heard the crew was pulling double duty and opening for BLS, I knew I couldn’t miss it.
After “Superztar” pumped through the PA, the band tore into “Children of the Grave”. It was everything I had expected it to be: loud, raw and a remarkable tribute to metal’s originators. The crowd sang along to every word, with “War Pigs” serving as a fitting closer and the highlight of the set.
The Palace was absolutely packed in at this point of the show as the gigantic BLS banner dropped from the ceiling to conceal the stage. After scoping out the merch booths, I made my way down to the front and prepared for one more round.
BLS came out swinging with “Bleed for Me”, immediately establishing the crushing sound that has defined the band for more than 25 years. Zakk, bassist JD DeServio, drummer Jeff Fabb and Dario Lorina were locked in from the start, with a balanced set that contained many of the classics.
As expected, Wylde remained the focal point. Few guitarists are as instantly recognizable, both visually and sonically. The thick, muscular tone of his guitar filled every corner of the Palace, but the performance is far from a one-man show. DeServio was constantly on the move, engaging with the crowd and Fabb supplied the necessary force behind the kit. Lorina once again demonstrated why he is an integral part of the band.
To my surprise, midway through the set, the band launched into “No More Tears”. One of the show’s many highlights, and the moment carried particular weight for me, as Ozzy’s music has always had a personal impact. The band then played a beautiful rendition of “In This River”, a fitting tribute to Vinnie Paul and Dime, as their images were shown behind the band.
The newly released “Ozzy’s Song” made the show feel particularly personal, serving as another reminder of the deep musical and personal connection between Zakk and Ozzy. The show closed with “Stillborn”, sending the crowd home with one final wall of sound and a song that remains one of their defining anthems. As the show closed and I walked back to the parking garage, I couldn’t help but feel that the American Crusade was less a conventional tour than a celebration of the music surrounding Zakk Wylde.
