THE ETERNAL IDOL

The Eternal Idol is the thirteenth full-length studio album by British heavy rock/ metal act Black Sabbath. Another major lineup shift has occured since the previous album by the band Seventh Star (1986). Some of them even happened during the recording of the album. Glen Hughes got fired shortly into the tour supporting Seventh Star and was replaced by Ray Gillen. Ray Gillen recorded all vocals for The Eternal Idol but then quit the band and was replaced by Tony Martin who would record all the vocals again. Bassist Dave Spitz was supposedly fired shortly into the sessions for the album because he fell out with producer Jeff Glixman. He was replaced by Bob Daisley. Eric Singer plays the drums on The Eternal Idol but left Black Sabbath before the album was released.

The music is heavy metal with an epic edge. The inclusion of new vocalist Tony Martin was a smart move by Tony Iommi. What a powerful voice and excellent technique he has. He reminds me a bit of Russell Allen ( Symphony X) when the latter sings most restrained. A much needed improvement after the two previous disastrous choices for frontmen in Black Sabbath ( that´s excluding Ray Gillen who didn´t record albums with the band). I´m talking about Ian Gillan and Glen Hughes who brought absolutely nothing good to the sound IMO. With a great singer like Tony Martin this album seems like a return to form for the band and the music smells just a bit like the freshness of the Dio days. Songs like The Shining, Glory Ride and Eternal Idol are excellent showcases of the new found vitality.

The musicianship is great. All involved are prolific and skilled heavy rock/ metal musicians. I can´t help complaining about Eric Singer´s drumming style though. I find it way too simple and heavy at times. Bill Ward´s more organic style would have suited the music better.

The production is much better than on the weak Seventh Star album. This is an eighties production but it´s one of the better ones for sure.

The Eternal Idol is a welcome return to form and while it doesn´t really reach the heights of the Dio albums by Black Sabbath, it´s the fans of those albums that will find most of interest here IMO. 3 stars are well deserved. A nice surprise.