THE ETERNAL IDOL

Despite a turbulent production process that involved multiple producers, lineup changes, and even a change in lead vocalist midway through recording, the final result is far more coherent and focused than one might expect.

Right from the start with The Shining, it's clear that this album is aiming to reconnect with Black Sabbath's darker roots. The production is much improved over Seventh Star, and the guitar tone is heavier, more oppressive, and closer to the band's classic style. New vocalist Tony Martin makes his debut here, and what a debut it is. His vocal style, reminiscent in moments of Ronnie James Dio, is powerful, dramatic, and perfectly suited for the material. Though relatively unknown at the time, Martin would go on to become arguably the third most important frontman in the band's history.

Ancient Warrior is perhaps the best track on the album. With a haunting, slightly eastern flair and some of Iommi's most inventive riffing in years, it builds a dark and mystical atmosphere. Hard Life to Love follows with a more straightforward hard rock feel, featuring some stoner-adjacent riffs that are enjoyable, if less remarkable.

Glory Ride is the album's weakest point, a bland and overly glossy hard rock song that feels more like Europe or Survivor than Sabbath. Thankfully, Born to Lose restores some energy with a fast-paced delivery and strong vocals, even if the songwriting itself is relatively simple.

Nightmare brings things back into more atmospheric territory. Originally intended for the Nightmare on Elm Street 3 soundtrack, it features excellent guitar work and a brooding tone that fits the band much better than the radio rock attempts earlier on the record.

Lost Forever is a solid uptempo heavy metal song, but at this point the album does begin to show signs of fatigue. Fortunately, the title track, Eternal Idol, closes things on a high note. It's a doomy, brooding epic that captures the sense of dread and weight that made the early Sabbath records so memorable. The slow-burning riff, mournful atmosphere, and expressive vocals make it a true highlight.

Conclusión: The Eternal Idol is clearly Iommi's attempt to reclaim the darkness, low-tuned guitars, and groovy heaviness that had been mostly abandoned in Seventh Star. With Tony Martin stepping in confidently as frontman, this album feels more focused, more traditionally Sabbath, and more promising.

While not without its flaws, it started a hopeful new chapter for the band back in 1987.

Best tracks: The Shining, Ancient Warrior, Nightmare, Eternal Idol.

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