13

40 odd years ago as a teenager, I was mightily impressed by the heavy sound of this band. To this day I still enjoy their earlier works, but later they've lost that sound and I've lost interest. Truth is that I very much enjoy riff-based tunes, but I felt a bit embarrassed about being associated with Ozzy. You know, on the intellectual level.

I strayed towards more challenging artistic expressions. Little I realized that my interest in the band was much more captivated by Tony Iommy's tunes and delivery than of Ozzy's part, but the package as a whole was still very effective, nevertheless.. (It's worth noting that before Iommy decided to join the band, he was approached by the very Jethro Tull, an invitation he declined and the rest is history.)

Considering that the inclusion of Black Sabbath on PA was subject of heated discussions, it's hard not to notice that the band is one of the most popular ones here.

So, new album with Ozzy receiving very high ratings, but not a single review so far to give me an idea, I had no choice but to check it out - if only of curiosity. Well, it's a bit of a blast from the past as if "13" would have been released around 1972.

Ozzy sounds just like before and the lyrics remain unsophisticated, too... The heavy sound is present, Iommy plays crafty solos. So what has changed? Not much really and that's probably not a plus in this instance. The riffs too, are here, but appear to be too simple and easily accessible, closer to Heavy Blues than sparkling Heavy Metal. In 2013 this just won't suffice.

Chances are that one's expectations are somewhat higher today than of decades ago. In fairness, there is no such thing as dated music, only older people, To a young person all music is new!

My conclusion is that I enjoyed listening to "13", but I'd still prefer "Masters Of Reality" instead. This album is too simple for my taste and I am not left with the urge to hear it again, soon. Good, but excellent addition is only for "sabbathistas".

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