Worn out, ruined, as in This carpet is shot to hell, or My privacy's been shot to hell, what with all these reporters. This term alludes to being shot by gunfire. [Slang; late 1800s]
Shot to Hell marks Black Label Society's debut for Roadrunner Records, following a six-year relationship with Spitfire summarized on the previous year's Kings of Damnation: Era 1998-2004 compilation. Shot to Hell may mark a new era for Zakk Wylde and company, yet not much has changed artistically, no doubt to the relief of fans. Over the course of 13 songs, the band showcases impressive musicianship, incorporating occasional moodiness and balladic touches into its otherwise charging style of metal. The usual comparisons to Alice in Chains, Pantera, and Corrosion of Conformity are as apt as ever, with Wylde's vocals especially reminiscent of AIC. The album-opening "Concrete Jungle" is an instant highlight, kicking off the album in high fashion, while the piano ballad "The Last Goodbye" is another, highlighting Wylde's songwriting talent, as is "Nothing's the Same," another mellow song. While Shot to Hell offers nothing that past Black Label Society releases haven't, and nothing revelatory enough to convince those so far unconvinced of the band's continuing worth, anyone interested in more of the band's consistent output from year to year should find plenty to enjoy here. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide
Michael Beinhorn (Executive Producer), David Case (Model), Barry Conley (Associate Producer), Barry Conley (Associate Engineer), Craig Nunemacher (Drums), Craig Nunemacher (Group Member), Randy Staub (Mixing), Zakk Wylde (Bass), Zakk Wylde (Guitar), Zakk Wylde (Piano), Zakk Wylde (Vocals), Zakk Wylde (Producer), Zakk Wylde (Artwork), Zakk Wylde (Concept), Zakk Wylde (Group Member), Bob Ringe (Management), Neil Zlozower (Artwork), Neil Zlozower (Photography), Nancy Taylor (Model), Mike Gitter (A&R), Barbaranne Wylde (Artwork), Barbaranne Wylde (Concept), Barbaranne Wylde (Assistant Management), Rob "Ra" Arvizu (Artwork), Rob "Ra" Arvizu (Design), Rob "Ra" Arvizu (Layout Design), Nick "ET" Catanese (Guitar), Nick "ET" Catanese (Group Member), Ralis Kahn (Make-Up), David G. Allen (Associate Producer), David G. Allen (Associate Engineer), Richard Summers (Model), Frank Bettag (Model), John "JD" DeServio (Bass), John "JD" DeServio (Group Member), Bobbie Mannix (Wardrobe), Pat McNeely (Model), Mary Lou Secor (Model)
The cover art was originally the three nuns holding shotguns (as seen in the ads handed out at Ozzfest 2006), but the artwork was deemed inappropriate and was changed to three nuns playing a game of pool. The band's signature skull, featured on their logo, can be seen on the 8 ball on the table.
"I never run out of ideas," Zakk says. "We just came in here and started knocking it out. That's how you make records." That take-no-prisoners attitude is all over such snarling tracks as "Concrete Jungle", "Blood Is Thicker Than Water" and "Give Yourself To Me", while reflective ballads like "Lead Me To Your Door" and "Sick Of It All" mix moody melodies with screaming guitar solos. "It's a real cool mix of heavy shit and mellow shit," Zakk explains.
During the recording of "Shot To Hell", Zakk and crew turned Ameraycan Studios in North Hollywood, CA into a cross between a Guitar Center and a teenage boy's bedroom. "We had a Mellotron in here, a Hammond B-3, a ton of Marshalls and just about every guitar I own," Zakk recalls. "It looked like 'Sanford and Son' out in the parking lot — a whole garage-sale going on with the equipment, you know? And we had pictures taped up on the walls of Randy Rhoads and Jimmy Page, just for inspiration, because you've still gotta listen to music with a fourteen-year-old's ears. Remembering when you were like, 'Dude, we're going to see ZEPPELIN this weekend!' — that's what it's all about, man. Because once you lose that, then you shouldn't be doing it anymore."