Now that’s how you start an album! Rock icon Ozzy Osbourne knows how to catch your ear that’s for sure - as perfectly illustrated by album opener “Let it Die”. From the eerie riff and bass line that kicks things off, to the upbeat verse, vocal hooks, shredding solos (courtesy of new axe man Gus G) and variety of tempo changes throughout - it’s six wonderfully varied minutes of music, encompassing pretty much everything that’s good about metal! (plus it has cowbell! what more could you want?!)
So off to a cracking start then? Well Ozzy is just getting started as we move on with the next compulsory foot stomper, “Let me hear you scream” which should easily build the crowd into a frenzied state during the upcoming tour dates. And if the monster riff behind the slow and sludgy “Soul Sucker” doesn't compel you to throw the horns and bang your head in unison, there is something wrong with you! The high tempo final third of this track really shows of the quality of musicianship on display.
After such an intense opening barrage, the album sensibly avoids trying to one-up itself, instead presenting a slightly lighter moment with “Life Won’t Wait” - which still maintains balance between its lighter and heavier sides very well, before segueing subtly into arguably the album’s high point.
“Diggin me Down” features an acoustic opening that soon takes a sinister turn before being overridden by such a monstrous riff and drum syncopation you can be under no illusions that Ozzy has lost none of his edge. To be able to effortlessly blend such a heavy verse section with a catchy chorus and beautiful melody towards the end truly illustrates he is a master of his craft in every sense.
The following songs don’t quite match the quality of the first half, but still feature many enjoyable moments. "Crucify" and "Fearless" are solid but compared to the preceding material feel a little too predictable and straight forward at times. Ozzy is certainly not afraid of mixing things up and masterfully injects subtle elements of string and piano elements that always compliment rather than dominate proceedings - keeping things fresh without becoming too one-dimensional, or detracting from the welcome darker overtones that dominate the material.
Concluding with a rather bizarre minute long salute to his fans entitled “I love you all”, which whilst a nice tip of the hat, does seem to jar against the tone of the preceding material. Personally, I feel this could have been reserved for a live setting if Ozzy was determined to send such a personal thanks to his followers. “Scream” would be no weaker without it in my opinion.
On the whole it’s a very well crafted record of beauty, variety and strength - executed with flawless precision and energy by its members. The quality of song writing is clearly a testament to Ozzy’s wealth of experience and knowledge through decades of work.
Is this one of his better albums? My relative lack of exposure to Ozzy’s back catalogue means I am not qualified to judge. All that matters is that we have an album packed with high quality songs, some of which can proudly stand tall alongside his former classics.
The possibility of hearing these songs mixed into the live set has certainly heightened my anticipation for the upcoming Ozzfest shows in September. Thoroughly recommended and both thumbs way up for one of the most enjoyable albums I have heard this year.
♥ ✍ about my passions ♫ Metal, ✈ Traveling,日本語. 