Black Sabbath “13” (Vertigo, 2013)

Sometimes it is hard to perceive new music
from old classic bands or to understand it right from the first listening. So,
after almost 3 months from the release date, and practically day-to-day
listening, here are a few of words about this album.

First thing you`ll notice when you start
playing it is of course modern production. Rick Rubin did a great job in
modernizing the Sabbath`s well known sound from the 70s and 80s. Even though
it`s modernized it is still the same 40+ year old Sabbath, with well-known
atmosphere and blood shaking sound.

“The end of the beginning” is actually the
best way of opening the album, with Iommi`s traditional style dark and slow,
painkilling and hell raising kind of riff. Ozzy`s singing sounds nice, probably
better than on many of his latest solo albums. Rubin managed to force him to
play sing long octaves, like he did before he started his solo career in the
80s, and got into the whole melodic hard n` heavy music. A lot of doubling the
vocal tracks, point up the unique color and energy of Ozzy`s voice. Second song
“Is God dead?” is another BS`s classic sounding tune. First two “eight-minute”
songs open the story called “return of the metal gods”. Third song “Loner” is
probably one of the album`s highlights, reminding of their mid-70s creations.
It is followed by fantastic “Zeitgeist” (Spirit of the age), recorded in the
manner of Paranoid`s “Planet Caravan”. Even if in many reviews, these two songs
are being linked, this is a new song with fantastic lyrics and great music.
“Age of Reason” is another BS heavy tune, accompanied with great riff by genius
Iommi. “Live Forever” with Ozzy shouting “I don`t wanna live forever, but I
don`t wanna die, I may be dreaming or whatever, I live inside a lie!” is a true
example of heavy driving tune. Album closes with two heavy rocking songs –
magnificent anathema “Damaged Soul” and dark “Dear Father”. One hour of pure
old school heavy metal.

Geezer Butler did great work with lyrics
through the entire album, leaving impressions of experienced and wise poet.

There`s not much to say about the musicians…
Three veteran-legends plus Rage Against the Machine`s drummer Brad Wilk, who
came in for Bill Ward (who was slowing down the whole reunion thing with legal
issues, leaving the other band members on hold for a long time before Iommi
told him that they are moving without him).

With three months until the end of 2013, we
can surely say that this is the best metal issue so far this year. Is it
psychedelic? Well it`s Black Sabbath – of course it`s psychedelic baby!

Review made by Andrija Babovic/2013

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http://psychedelicbaby.blogspot.com/2013