The Fillmore Philadelphia was turned into a literal cathedral of riffs on April 6, 2026, as Black Label Society brought their massive tour to a sold-out crowd. This wasn’t just another rock show; it was a grueling marathon of heavy metal excellence, with the “Berzerker-in-Chief” Zakk Wylde pulling double duty across two different sets.
The night started with Dark Chapel, the new project from BLS guitarist Dario Lorina. They were far more than just a warm-up act. Dario’s vocals were surprisingly gritty and powerful, and the band’s blend of doom and bluesy hard rock felt like a natural fit for the night. Tracks from their debut, Spirit in the Glass, like “Hollow Smile” and “Afterglow,” had the Philly crowd engaged early. The highlight was their heavy cover of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine,” which featured some killer piano work from Dario before sliding into a wall of distorted guitars.
When the Zakk Sabbath banner went up, the room shifted from a standard concert into a heavy metal revival. This isn’t just a cover band; it is Zakk paying his respects to the architects of the genre. They tore through the classics like “War Pigs” and “N.I.B.” with a tone that was thick enough to rattle the floorboards of the entire venue.
Zakk’s stage presence during this set was relentless. He spent the night perched on his custom “Berzerker” risers, delivering those iconic Sabbath riffs with a level of aggression that breathed new life into the songs. JD DeServio on bass and Jeff Fabb on drums kept the rhythm section incredibly heavy and locked in, giving Zakk plenty of room to stretch out those legendary solos that have become his trademark.
After a brief breather, the “Doom Crew Inc.” took the stage for the main event. While Zakk Sabbath is about honoring the past, Black Label Society was all about the power of the present. They opened with “Funeral Bell,” and the sheer volume and low-end rumble were enough to make your teeth chatter.
The setlist was a journey through the different eras, but the focus was on that signature BLS groove. Zakk and Dario Lorina traded lightning-fast solos on “The Blessed Hellride” that felt like a masterclass in guitar harmony. They also played “Name in Blood” from the new Engines of Demolition record, and the track fit perfectly alongside the older staples of the set.
The most powerful moment of the night happened when the wall of Marshall stacks went quiet and Zakk sat down at the piano for “In This River.” The tribute to Dimebag and Vinnie Paul is a staple of the show, but it never feels like a routine. The soulful, bluesy delivery of the song made the Fillmore feel a lot smaller and more intimate for a few minutes.
Another standout moment in the set was the performance of a “Ozzy’s Song.” This is a fresh Black Label Society original written as a tribute to the Prince of Darkness. The song captured that perfect blend of melodic gloom and soaring guitar work that Zakk is known for, serving as a powerful “tribute” to his mentor. It already feels like a future staple of the BLS live experience.
They ended the night by cranking the volume back to ten for a blistering version of “Stillborn.” Zakk Wylde is an absolute machine, and seeing him dominate the stage for nearly three hours across two different bands proved why he is still the king of the riff.
Black Label Society
Zakk Sabbath
Dark Chapel
