Sitting here listening to the full new Black Sabbath album for the first time start to finish. I like much of what I hear but think this will take some time as many of the songs are long and in much of the same tempo. “Loner” seems to be the one track at 4 minutes and a bit more uptempo. Like the production, Tony is the riff king, Geezer rules as always, and Ozzy sounds good on it. In the absence of Bill Ward sounds like Brad Wilk does a great job. It’s obvious the band spent time listening to their first album at the direction of Rick Rubin. They literally rip themselves off at times. “Emd Of The Beginning” is the song Black Sabbath! The end of the album “Dear Father” also sounds like a direct sample of the open of the song “BLack Sabbath” (and makes for a nice way to close what might be their final album, since it opens the first one in 1970) But if the creators of metal can’t borrow from themselves after being borrowed from for decades who can? I’m still digesting this and will have more of a feeling for it after a few listens. But for a band in it’s 43rd year of making records on first listen it’s better than anyone could have expected, especially when you consider the new tracks they did with Ozzy for the Reunion collection which were not strong in my opinion. Also great to see the strong first week sales for this album around the world. Much is being made of this and rightfully so, it’s great to see for the band and metal, but the REAL test will be where the album is chart and sales wise in 3-4 weeks from now. Most legendary classic bands with huge fan bases have great first week or two sales and chart standing. The real test is after the base buys the album what happens? Most drop off the radar quickly. This is due to the lack of any real radio or video support to keep it going and bring in new audiences. This is far from a commercial album so it will be a challenge for the label to keep it alive outside of specialty shows like mine once the first week buzz slows. So let’s hope Sabbath can land a number 1 in the US in week 1. After that it will be virtually impossible. Just a bi product of the music industry today. Hope to have Geezer and or Tony on the radio shows soon to discuss all. They have been frequent guests in the past. MOST important let’s hope Tony continues his recovery to good health! As always we welcome your thoughts and opinions as well!
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27 Responses
The lack of Bill Ward on this record is why it will never be a true gem. His drumming gave Sabbath a groove and swing that is impossible to replicate. The Ward-Butler rhythm section is legendary and for Sabbath to poo poo that away is a travesty. The lack of creative chemistry in the lower register is why I will never enjoy this record.
I think everyone had high expectations for this album. That may be a bit unfair. When I first heard God is Dead, I was not in love with it. When I heard the whole album from start to finish, I loved it! You need to experience the whole album with no expectations. The more you listen, the more you will be hooked. This could be the album of the year!
I really don’t care that the new record does sound familiar to the old stuff.
It’s what I expected, and way better than I thought it would be. And just to hear Toni’s fantastic guitar solos at the end of these new songs, puts a smile on a old fans face.
Cya in Toronto boys, can’t wait!!!!!!!
I like the album. I think the band and the production sound great. However, I just can’t stand Ozzy the past 15 years or so. I saw them on the 98′ reunion tour, and Ozzy was the lowest point of that show. He was absolutely horrible.
I just wish they would stop living in the past, and get Tony Martin back, and move on.
Album of the year, so far. I must say, i was PISSED when i heard the 1st singles’ title, before i saw it was a question! Considering the state of the world, it’s a GREAT question, since i believe many believe he is. I’ll say it’s 1 of the most timely & powerful songs i’ve ever heard. Ozzy sounds awesome on the whole thing which at times sounds reflective. The bass is insanely good.
My only knock is most of the songs when it:s ‘time change’ timehave a similar time change, if u know what i mean. I’m.a big drums guy, but for some reason, don’t see it as an issue at all, like 1 of the previous posters posted.
All in all, this is shockingly good. I got the bonus tracks version & am dizzy from looking at the CD’s.