VOLUME FOUR

I thought I had Black Sabbath covered in my knowledge base. I thought I knew them. Then I start listening to this album and it dawns on me that I knew very little about this band, after all. "After all" means over 25 years ownership of this album and not bothering to listen seriously to this album. A big mistake.

Those who says Black Sabbath is a one trick pony heavy metal band, which I did, will get a big surprise on this album. Black Sabbath really stretches their wings on this album. Not at least towards the prog rock scene. They are still heavy as heck and played on full volume (turn it up to 11), this band knows how to blow out the lights. But there is surprisingly many subtle small details on this album, delivered by a four man drums/bass/guitar/vocalist band. A band who according to the many sensational books about them and their own confessions was drugged out to outer space at that time. That does not really correspond with what comes out of the speakers when I listen to this album. Yes, the sound is dirty. But it is sophisticated, intelligent dirt to be found on this album. Besides of the classic tracks Snowblind, Tomorrow's Dream and Changes, you also find some other more progressive, subtle tracks which make you sit up, listen and question your ears. Not to mention question if this really is a Black Sabbath album. The excellent Cornucopia is one of these tracks.

In short; Black Sabbath stretched themselves here and proved that Iommi & Co actually was a cracking excellent band. I am starting to believe they were/are pretty underrated too........

This is a great album which really should be pushed on those who underestimate Black Sabbath. A band who has risen very considerably in my estimation after a lot of spins of this cracking good album.

4 stars

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