If you felt "Black Rain" was a little
lacking song wise, then this opus blows away any doubt, a massive return
to form, first suggested in "Down To Earth" but now fully realized.
This is perhaps the most melodic offerings from Ozzy since "Bark At the
Moon" and "The Ultimate Sin". There is something for everyone here and
no one should feel out in the cold.There is also a definate turn away
from the downtuned guitar style of Zakk Wylde and towards a more
classical metal guitar style from new guy Gus G. I also hear less
pro-tools on the vocals this round; and honestly when purely represented
Ozzy's vocals sound great.
Early favourite would have to be
"Soul Sucker" with it's monstorous riff and thumping bass, caught myself
singing it as I walked the dog tonight with the ipod on, hope no one
heard. Most would have heard the single "Let Me Hear You Scream" which
should go barnstormers in a live setting, opener "Let It Die" with its
voodoo-esque feel spirals off an opening guitar break and you know you
are in for a real treat, "Life Wont Wait" is close to a ballad but has a
nice Beatle-esque flavour, one of Ozzy's tales of living life without
regret. "Diggin Me Down" reminds me of early Cooper of all things in the
intro, before it distorts into a huge Sabbath riff, lyrically asking
the question of how bad things must get before the second coming of the
saviour. Great stuff. "Time" is an oddity, not in a bad way with it's
plucked strings and almost "Oasis" feel. "I Want It Now" swirls out of
the speakers with an almost thrash metal feel, then delivers some very
Cradle of Filth-like synth and piano moments,not theft 'cause after all
Ozzy is the grandfather of all this stuff. I can even forgive the "I
Love You All" epitaph, cornball for sure but sincere.
You know
when you are going to love an album and it's going to have staying
power. We'll this is such a beast, big songs, catchy as all hell, chest
thumping glorious old school metal. Love him or loathe him Ozzy has hit a
home run.
