Black Label Society, formed in Los Angeles, California, was founded in 1998 by guitarist and vocalist Zakk Wylde, who had previously played with Ozzy Osbourne. Wylde assembled a line‑up that included bassist James DeServio, drummer Phil Ondich, and guitarist Nick Catanese, and the band issued its debut studio album Sonic Brew on 28 October 1998, later re‑released in North America on 4 May 1999 after a remix. The group followed with Stronger than Death (2000), 1919 Eternal (2002), The Blessed Hellride (2003), Hangover Music Vol. VI (2004), Mafia (2005), and Shot to Hell (2006) under Roadrunner Records, each expanding its heavy‑metal catalogue. In 2010, Order of the Black was released, reaching number 4 on the Billboard 200 and selling 45 000 copies in the first week. Subsequent releases include Catacombs of the Black Vatican (2014), Grimmest Hits (2018), Doom Crew Inc. (2021), and Engines of Demolition (2026). The band has maintained a consistent touring presence, collaborated with artists such as Ozzy Osbourne and Robert Trujillo, and achieved chart success without receiving formal awards, solidifying its place in contemporary metal history.
