SABBATH BLOODY SABBATH

Black Sabbath's fifth studio album was created during a difficult period for the band, with an extensive touring schedule and a deteriorating substance abuse problem, following a short break and a relocation for recording, 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath' was released to much amazement - exhibiting a very prominent progressive ambition, this album really took a step further from the eclectic 'Vol. 4' and became recognizable for its sophisticated songwriting and expanded artistic scope. With the introduction of pastoral, psychedelic and even boogie rock passages, Sabbath's November 1973 release remains one of their most innovative, daring and ambitious offerings. The extensive use of keyboards on this album is noteworthy, as much as the inclusion of string arrangements, flutes, organs, bongos, the harpsichord, and even Rick Wakeman (coming off bored from the 'TFTO' sessions with Yes and laying down some fine moog leads for one of the album tracks) - this record really tries to deliver a bit of everything.

Kicking off the set with the monumental title track, it has to be said that this Iommi riff is what initiated the direction and the writing of the album - it is a powerful piece of heavy rock with an earth-shattering rhythm section and a particularly tasty bass tone - a simply astounding song. Continuing on that high note, Sabbath present 'A National Acrobat', an edgier piece of sophisticated rock that sees them taking in some of the doomy ambience of earlier records, followed by the picturesque instrumental 'Fluff', a composition that could have easily landed on any of the classic early Genesis albums. Closing off the perfect side one, we have 'Sabbra Cadabra', another heavy track that catches Rick Wakeman playing the piano and the Minimoog. The second side of 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath' is the more "adventurous" and unpredictable one, and hence, the more difficult one to appreciate - 'Killing Yourself to Live' is really good and the chorus is strong, but 'Who Are You?' just fails to hit that sweet spot, especially with the punctuative synths, which sit somewhat strangely on this record. Then again, 'Spiral Architect' is excellent and strikes a fine balance between heavy and experimental, while 'Looking for Today' is not necessarily as remarkable.

And although the band was going through a tough period, they managed to rise above and deliver a triumphant studio album, one that really sees them nurturing their experimental side with even greater attention, quite often to fascinating and flamboyant results. Is 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath' the perfect Sabbath album? Perhaps not, but it remains one of the most ambitious and enthralling works of theirs.

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