TECHNICAL ECSTASY

Black Sabbath's "Technical Ecstasy" is probably the most underrated prog-metal creation ever. With this album the founders of progressive metal move into a faster and heavier direction and, for the first time, 'in company' with incredible polyphonic keyboards, playing here not a supporting role at all. Unlike "Never Say Die" ('Hard Road'), there are no fillers here, and even the most conventional composition, 'It's Alright', contains some fine prog-tinged arrangements. 'She's Gone' remains up to now one of the most magical prog ballads, having a glaring progressive feel throughout. The level of complexity on tracks like 'Dirty Women', 'You Won't Change Me' and 'Gypsy' is quite comparabale to many songs from the works of Genesis, Yes, Van Der Graaf, etc, released at the same time. The 'problem' is: nobody is able to appreciate "Technical Ecstasy" at its true value upon the first spin. Repeated listenings are required... That being said, "Technical Ecstasy" left a very pleasant taste in my consciousness, and Black Sabbath is one of my all-time favorites - along with Genesis, Pink Floyd, Yes, King Crimson, Van Der Graaf Generator, Jethro Tull, Gentle Giant and ELP! Do you really think I have a bad taste? :-)