Black Sabbath, 13

Black Sabbath, 13 (Vertigo)

So we have all seen the band live a good few times and the rumors were true in that the band were recording a new album. Those rumors were in 2001. Reading Tony's book "Iron Man" the album was pretty much written and ready to go but things just seem to get in the way. So after all the things that got in the way the album was finally made. 

The band got a pretty well known producer in Rick Rubin. Well I mean that in a joke as Rubin has done it all in the metal world. So has the wait been worth it. I would say yes. 

First track is a real reminder of the glory days of Sabbath. I can picture the first album cover in my head. Eyes closed and that guitar comes in, wow it has been a while but sounds right. "End of Beginning" sounds really big and Rick Rubin is using the studio as well as he can to make the band sound pretty good. "God is Dead" was a single and for is so much sounds like Rick Rubin's past work. The Arpeggio intro and the time changes all remind me of Metallica. And more so of there last album. But that is what you get in Rick. The single is good and twists and tunes but for me misses that vital Sabbath underground feel they always had. 

With a nice simple intro riff for track three "Loner" finds Ozzy sounding.. well... like Ozzy. You can almost feel his presence on this song. Nice sharp simple rhythmic riffs follow with the vocals. 

"Zeitgeist" Could have been on Vol 4, yeah that sound they captured then is recreated even down to bongos. But I think it works. Again Ozzy helps this as his voice can be timeless at times. Next track pulls us back to 2013 "Age Of Reason" kicks in with a big drum sound. Brad Wilk fills in well for retired Bill Ward. The song is the typical Sabbath number with chords running up and down the guitar mixing in well with the Bass for Geezer. 

Tony starts "Live Forever" off really well adding in some nice guitar licks and riffs. The band follow along the whole time. Ozzy saying "I don't want to live forever" is a bit funny but with the band now spanning over 40 years it does feel a bit more serious. I love "Damaged Soul" I think Tony has swapped guitars as it sounds so much like early 70s stoner music. Bit like Hawkwind crossed with Motorhead with an added in twin guitar melody. I like the song and it shows some real change in direction. 

All lyrics were written by Geezer Butler so I wonder how personal "Dear Father" is. Starting with a Bass guitar being cleaned it then goes right into the band in full metal mode. But the last track is a very melodic affair, lyrically anyway as lines are repeated and you do find them sticking in your head. The album ends with a familiar sound and one many new fans may think they copied. 

So first Ozzy album with Sabbath in 35 years and it really did not need to be made. But credit to the band they did. I feel it could have been much better with a more low brow approach in selection of producer.  Rick Rubin has had some great past work but his style is stamped all over this album and it really does feel odd. 

Hey I am just happy it was finally made and put out, next album could be even better. If there is a next album. 

6.5/10

Twitter @29xthefun

Black Star Riders, All Hell Breaks Loose

Black Star Riders, All Hell Breaks Loose (Nuclear Blast)

I was hoping to review this album without saying Thin Lizzy but it can't be done. As it really does sound so much like them at times. And I do feel they have not went all out to do this as some of the album does sound pretty much not like Thin Lizzy.

As you may or may not know Thin Lizzy tour the world playing gigs with the band containing one former member in Scot Gorham but the band was formed with many other very talented musicians. But a few years ago a big addition for me in the line up in Ricky Warwick. Ex the Almighty he really does have a great voice for the band and the sound of Lizzy.

So long story short the band get on so well a new album could be made and here it is. Under the name of Black Star Riders they have done the right thing and not used the name. but is it any good?

Yes I do like it but as I say it is kind of a mix of Lizzy and all out classic rock. Opener "All Hell Breaks Loose" is a great single and a song you would struggle to link to the former band. Catchy and a friendly rock radio tune. "Bound for Glory" has that twin guitar riff and I have to say I did have a chill in my spine (us music fans know that a great feeling) Could it be them? It is a great song and could fit in around 1978.

"Kingdom Of The Lost" has some nice Irish folk sounds to it before the classic Lizzy sound blasts out. Ricky does some great work with his vocals here and makes the track his. Warwick a few years ago made a solo album in a similar style called "Belfast Confetti" like this track and you will walk over broken glass for that one. Catchy and it will stay in the mind for weeks.

"Bloodshot" has a more new feel to it and shows the band can break away a bit. Still sounds similar as the other material but the choruses are there. Few tracks in and the album does settle well "Hey Judas" brings back some nice memories. Fond memories and that chill is back again. Nice and melodic the song is a slow number.

The band does have great musicians and you can hear Jimmy DeGrasso has the backround to play here, drumming for Megadeth and Alice Cooper he takes "Valley Of The Stones" on as his own. The riffs are back again in "Someday Salvation" twin riffs and nice rhythm guitar keep the music fresh.

Final track "Blues Ain't So Bad" is the longest by some distance but it does feel like it should be here, more of an instrumental it shows the band in a really different area. Making simple guitar noises and bass notes plucked out of know where. I think hardened Lizzy fans may not like it but new comers will love it for its change in scope on the album.

So it can be called Lizzy with no Lynot or is it Warwick with Lizzy or .... aw who cares its a great album and I like it.

7/10

Twitter @29xthefun