Black Sabbath - 13

(CD Album Review)

****1/2

Birmingham's Finest come full circle on their new album (Finally!)!!!

I've got to say as happy as I was about the news of a new album from the original Black Sabbath members, I got a little bit worried that it would not be as good as it was the first time round. First off the Bill Ward debacle put a damper on things, plus I wasn't happy that Rick Rubin was the producer. As much a great producer he is I'm not a fan of his later work. A few advance reviews didn't look promising either so I really thought I was not going to like it. So it was with great relief on the first listen at how great it sounded! I sat there thinking "well, what's wrong with it? this sounds great!" It's not perfect but it was never going to live up to the unrealistic expectations. A couple of things I want to address before we go onto the album.

One of the most popular critics of this album is that... it sounds like Black Sabbath! It sounds typical of them, just like the old stuff etc. Well my question is what did you want? These are the same people who would've complained if they did something completely different off the bat. It's Sabbath, it's their sound. Artistically they have influenced so many musicians they owe nothing to anyone. What's important is that it doesn't sound regurgitated and rest assured it doesn't. Secondly Brad Wilk on the drums. one only has to look at Brad's track record to see that he's far from a slouch.

He understands supporting a great riff with a groove. We all wanted Bill Ward to be on this album. I'm sure Brad Wilk would be the first to agree. But what happened, happened and Brad does a fine job on this album. He does exactly what's needed on the songs. However he could be higher in the mix. How it would have sounded with Bill I'll leave to the forum warrior's of the world to ponder over along with what would have happened if Dave Mustaine was never kicked out of Metallica. Now onto the album.

The albums opens with a massive bang and we're straight into 'End of the Beginning' which in the beginning is reminiscent of the track 'Black Sabbath' which opened their classic debut all those years ago. Yet as the track goes on it leaves that behind and in the second half becomes it's own track. In the end it builds to a great melodic climax. 'God is Dead' the song that was released in advance takes pretty much the same formula as most of the album. Slow and builds up to a rocking end.'Loner' is a mid paced rocker with a nice melodic bridge.

It carries the album along nicely. 'Zeitgeist' is a highlight for me, It's an acoustic track and it's nice and mellow. Some have dubbed it 'Planet Caravan 2'. Lyrically yeah but it's not a rip off. It's a great track in it's own right. Just picture someone else singing this and all comparisons fade away. It's simply a beautiful song. 'Age of Reason' Is another mid-paced track with a big opening riff. It has these great keyboards in the chorus which would be so much better if they were turned up! It has a great atmosphere.

Brad lets loose a bit on this track too and there's a blistering solo at the end! Musically this album isn't a lot different from Heaven and hell's 'The devil you Know' Tony Iommi have always come up with great riffs and they have always bounced off Geezer Butler best. The whole album has that Doomy feel, the songs all start off slow and build up. A lot may start off reminding you of an old classic but they all shake it off half way through the song and come into their own. 'Live forever' sounds vintage Sabbath and in the best possible way.

It wouldn't sound out of place on 'Sabotage'. 'Damaged Soul' is another highlight. It's my personal favorite. I love how they bring back the Blusey aspect. It goes straight back to the first four albums where they jammed! especially the debut. There is a jam on this song and it just sounds great. you can picture the band just going for it and Ozzy standing on the side bouncing up and down and clapping his hands! This is really where it feels they have come full circle. And bloody hell Ozzy even gets his harmonica out! also again Tony is on fire. The album closer 'Dear Father' is standard but cool nonetheless. It picks up the pace at the end and closes with the rain and towing bells that opened that classic debut. It brought a smile to my face on the first listen and I still think it's a nice touch now. Bringing a close to one of Rock's greatest stories.

Theres talk of another album but lets not push our luck. What this album gets criticised for will probably be the same thing the next Doom band gets praised for. Take no notice it's awesome! If this is the end you couldn't ask for more.

An extra note. It's worth the extra couple of pounds for the bonus tracks.'Methademic' is a fast paced belter at three and a half minutes it's a mystery why this didn't make the album. 'Piece of mind' and 'Pariah' are also great and again could easily have made the final cut. There is also an edition from America's "Best Buy" chain which comes with an exclusive track 'Naivete in Black' which again is a good track but I wouldn't go mad to get it. you'll find it on YouTube.

Review by Joe Denby