Black Sabbitch | Unrest In The West | Ripple Music

Release Date: November 7th 2025

Format: LP/CD/Digital

Genre: Heavy Metal, Doom Metal

Country: United States

Black Sabbitch started in 2012 in Los Angeles when drummer Angie Scarpa brought together a group of musicians who already had strong reputations in the rock and metal underground. Emily Burton from Fireball Ministry joined on guitar, Melanie Makaiwi from Penny Dreadfuls and Scarling took over bass, and Alice Austin from Zola Turn completed the band on vocals. From the start they weren’t content with being a typical tribute act. Their shows won over crowds because they brought serious energy and respect for the older material without turning it into a museum piece.

Over the years they landed festival slots that most original bands dream of. Ozzfiesta at the invitation of The Osbournes, Wacken Open Air in front of 80,000 people, Cal Jam with Foo Fighters, Psycho Las Vegas, The Maryland Doom Fest, The Kiss Kruise thanks to Paul Stanley, plus collaborations with artists like Nick Zinner and Peaches. Publications from LA Weekly to Times Union have praised their live presence, calling it spellbinding and undeniable.

That background leads directly into "Unrest In The West", a live album captured in Los Angeles and released through Ripple Music. Since fans kept asking for a proper live release, the band finally decided to bring one out. Instead of sticking to the usual material most Sabbath tributes pick, they went for deeper tracks, something their audience always appreciated. This choice gives the album personality and shows the group’s long connection with the source material.

The performance comes through with solid force. The band digs into that familiar heavy groove with steady control, and the audience response adds an extra spark that lifts the whole recording. Alice Austin sings with power and character, bringing a sharp edge to every track. Emily Burton delivers guitar work that gives the classic riffs plenty of fire. Melanie Makaiwi’s bass has that familiar low-end rumble with gravity and attitude. Angie Scarpa hits with power and steady control, exactly what Sabbath’s style demands.

The track selection brings an interesting mix. “Wheels Of Confusion, The Straightener” opens with raw force, a reminder of how dramatic these long-form Sabbath songs can be onstage. “A National Acrobat” is a standout choice, a deep cut delivered with great energy. “The Wizard” offers a looser swing thanks to the signature harmonica lines, and the band keeps it lively. “A Hard Road” and “Lord Of This World” come with thick groove and an atmosphere that suits the group’s strengths. The final run, “Hole In The Sky”, “Children Of The Grave”, and “Into The Void”, brings the album to a satisfying close with plenty of weight and drive.

“Unrest In The West” gives the listener a strong live experience and works well as a document of what Black Sabbitch do best. Tight performances, a lively crowd, and a deep respect for classic heavy metal.

Score: 7.0

Black Sabbitch links:

Website⎪Facebook⎪Instagram⎪Youtube

Ripple Music links:

Website⎪Facebook⎪Bandcamp⎪Instagram