Black Label Society @ Palladium Riga

May 15 was the day that Latvian heavy metal fans had been waiting for a while. The arrival of Zakk Wylde with Black Label Society for the second time in Riga. This time Latvian Death'n'Roll band Sanctimony was chosen as an opening act. They provided a very nice and appropriate 45 minute warm-up before a huge black curtain were lowered to cover up the stage. 15 minutes later opening chords of New Religion filled the venue and a minute later curtain dropped. I and other photographers rushed forward to get the most out of our 3 song time frame that we were allowed take photos. Immediately after the last chords of the third song we had to put our gear down and we could relax and enjoy the show. After a couple of faster songs they paused for a moment and a piano with an American flag was placed on stage. Even though I'm not a huge die-hard BLS fan I immediately knew that In This River will be the next song. Also huge flags with Dimebag Darrell Abott's picture was placed over the amplifiers and Zakk started a little piano improvisation before diving into the song. A very emotional moment I must admit. After that the concert just kept building up momentum with just a couple of short pauses between songs and an impressive 20 minute long guitar solo by Zakk. Overall the concert seemed very good but almost too peaceful. No serious moshing or crowdsurfing. It surprised me a little bit but not too much. I waited before a few last songs and decided to leave before all the people rush to the wardrobe to get their stuff. I really liked the concert. Even though BLS is a heavy f***in metal as they say it put a big smile on my face. It was a very positive feeling.