Black Sabbath – “Forbidden”
This is not so new (since a new album will hopefully be out soon), but I’m reviewing it because some people chose to ignore it. Once again, Tony Iommi shines like the true metal master and genius that he is. The singer on this one is Tony Martin, who has now sung on five BLACK S. releases. (Five as far as I know, could be more…) Cozy Powell is drumming once again for them. O.K., to the music. The opening track, “The Illusion Of Power”, is the heaviest song here. The main riff and the overall feel of it, is true SABBATH tradition. Heavy, it pounds, pretty corrosive, if I may say so. “Get A Grip” follows and it shows that regardless of what some fools are saying, this line-up of Tony Iommi and Tony Martin is serious business. At times, this stuff sounds just as heavy as the best moments with Dio or Ozzy. But do not get confused! Tony Martin has his own style. For one thing, he sounds really energetic, dynamic, soulful, and youthful. SABBATH really sounds fresh with him singing. Another thing to note: SABBATH sounds diverse. This release is not some “Safe Sabbath Formula”, “I Won’t Cry For You”, some cheesy “Nothing Else Matters” or “Mama, I’m Coming Home” stuff. Anyway, check this out and don’t be a conformist pig who listens to only “new” bands just because your friends tell you to do it.