Black Sabbath - *The official thread*

If you are all expecting great vocals, you are absolutely 100% certain to be disappointed, better not to bother I think.

I'm surprised that they are managing to cobble together something that sounds like singing at all after hearing the godawful live songs.

I like God Is Dead, a lot so still looking forward to it.

The full album is now streaming for free on iTunes.

S.D. wrote:

The full album is now streaming for free on iTunes.

I saw that post on Blabbermouth, but only God is Dead is streaming.

Eyesore wrote:

S.D. wrote:

The full album is now streaming for free on iTunes.

I saw that post on Blabbermouth, but only God is Dead is streaming.

I listened to the entire album. You have to go to the iTunes store and click on the promo link on the main page.

S.D. wrote:

Eyesore wrote:

S.D. wrote:

The full album is now streaming for free on iTunes.

I saw that post on Blabbermouth, but only God is Dead is streaming.

I listened to the entire album. You have to go to the iTunes store and click on the promo link on the main page.

Your thoughts?

Witchfinder wrote:

Your thoughts?

Initial reaction; good. I have to listen to it a little more in-depth before diving into critiquing it.

My thoughts on the Sabbath after hearing it twice:

Not terrible, but not particularly memorable. All songs are very samey; nothing sticks out. In fact I can't tell you what a favorite track would be. The majority of the songs follow the same pattern. Slow and dirgy in the beginning and then a faster part with the solo near the end. The only exception is "Zeitgeist" which seems like a deliberate attempt to recreate the vibe of Planet Caravan.

Ozzy sounds how I expected -- kinda lifeless. Iommi and Geezer are strong as to be expected. The drummer....I don't know. He fits I suppose. Overall it is a disappointment to me as I wanted this to be good, but it fails on almost every expectation.

Unless you are a Sabbath freak, there is absolutely no reason to run out and get this right away. You probably won't spin it more than a few times.

^ This.

S.D. wrote:

Eyesore wrote:

S.D. wrote:

The full album is now streaming for free on iTunes.

I saw that post on Blabbermouth, but only God is Dead is streaming.

I listened to the entire album. You have to go to the iTunes store and click on the promo link on the main page.

One of the employees in the other room is cranking this album through iTunes right now. It sounds pretty good. I'll wait for the CD when I can really hear it.

SpectreFate wrote:

My thoughts on the Sabbath after hearing it twice:

Not terrible, but not particularly memorable. All songs are very samey; nothing sticks out. In fact I can't tell you what a favorite track would be. The majority of the songs follow the same pattern. Slow and dirgy in the beginning and then a faster part with the solo near the end. The only exception is "Zeitgeist" which seems like a deliberate attempt to recreate the vibe of Planet Caravan.

Ozzy sounds how I expected -- kinda lifeless. Iommi and Geezer are strong as to be expected. The drummer....I don't know. He fits I suppose. Overall it is a disappointment to me as I wanted this to be good, but it fails on almost every expectation.

Unless you are a Sabbath freak, there is absolutely no reason to run out and get this right away. You probably won't spin it more than a few times.

Pretty much my thoughts as well. Also, Brad Wilk has zero swing in his drumming and Ozzy sounds very processed to me.

I wouldn't agree that nothing sticks out, I've still only heard it once but "Loner" and "Dear Father" would be my choices right now.

There are some fine jamming moments on the album and some moments of spontaneity in the arranging that I haven't heard Iommi/Butler do since the 70s.

It didn't blow me completely away the first time through (very few things do), but I definitely enjoyed it and look forward to getting to know the album better.

No doubt "Fused" and "The Devil You Know" will prove to be much better!

candlemass wrote:

No doubt "Fused" and "The Devil You Know" will prove to be much better!

They are different. Fused I definitely don't consider a Black Sabbath album, it's a Tony Iommi solo album (and I prefer the Dep Sessions EP to Fused). The Devil You Know I enjoyed but again it's a different dynamic with Dio both musically and otherwise. I truly consider Black Sabbath with Ozzy and Black Sabbath with Dio to be completely different bands.

just listenting new "13"

I've listened to half the tracks, and I'm definitely liking it. It sounds like classic Sabbath to me; except Ozzy can't sing... but whatever, I listen to them for Tony and Geezer anyways!

Ozzy hasn't been able to sing for a long time but I actually find the vocals to not be as processed as usual.

I think it's a pretty good album. Tony and Geezer are in top form, that's enough to win me over right away. Ozzy is not a great singer but his voice at least has a pleasing tone on some of the tracks and there are some strong vocal melodies. The RATM guy is a great drummer but I'm surprised how much I miss Bill. He really had a unique groove, even if he isn't quite as fast around the kit as he used to be.

It's pretty solid from start to finish, no total stinkers. I'd say End of the Beginning, Loner and Dear Father are highlights. I think anyone who enjoyed The Devil You Know will dig this, it has a similar vibe.

I really, really like it

Fantastic record that is what it is, a last hurrah for a bunch of old guys proving that they can still do it, and they can! Wish Bill was there but BW does a decent enough job.

Not a classic, not in any way original, but better than I expected, best track is Zeitgeist, love it!

That's about as much as I'm gonna analyse this record, I'd rather enjoy it.

Dark Horseman wrote:

Ozzy hasn't been able to sing for a long time but I actually find the vocals to not be as processed as usual.

Ozzy could never "sing", but he always had character...

Shawn Of Fire wrote:

Dark Horseman wrote:

Ozzy hasn't been able to sing for a long time but I actually find the vocals to not be as processed as usual.

Ozzy could never "sing", but he always had character...

...and a keen sense of melody, as I always say. Very important.

Anyway, loving this album and very happy about it. Glad to hear Tony's still not getting tired of writing top-notch riffs.

Shawn Of Fire wrote:

Dark Horseman wrote:

Ozzy hasn't been able to sing for a long time but I actually find the vocals to not be as processed as usual.

Ozzy could never "sing", but he always had character...

David Lee Roth heartily agrees.

"Zeitgeist" song for me is right now best after one listening album.

OK, so I made it through "Zeitgeist" on the way in to work this morning...cranked loud in the car, I'd say it's pretty strong! I enjoyed it a lot.

so the best buy version has an additional track in addition to the 3 bonus tracks. Going to best buy twice in two weeks i guess.

Entertainment Weekly magazine gave the new Sabbath a "B-" grade in their newest issue...