SABOTAGE

3.5 stars. Intersting that the band thanks Spocks Wall for his assistance in making this album. Spocks Wall was Rick Wakeman's alias that he used when he helped them on "Sabbath Bloddy Sabbath". Of their first 6 studio albums I would rate this as fifth best ahead of "Vol 4". I really feel something is missing on this one, i'm not sure what though. It's not as dynamic or maybe it's the lack of attitude, anger and darkness. Butler's bass work seems a little lost in the sound as well, which might be part of it. Having said that the song "Symptom Of The Universe" is a killer track, that for me is heads above all the other songs on here.

"Hole In The Sky" is a catchy track with Ozzy in fine form as Iommi grinds it out. I don't like the way it ends so abruptly. "Don't Start(Too Late)" is a short song of acoustic guitar melodies. "Symptom Of The Universe" is the last great track by SABBATH with Ozzy at the helm. Heavy, fast paced riffs are featured, and Ward is on absolute fire. Check out Iommi before 4 minutes. The lighter section from 4 1/2 minutes to the end is very cool sounding,especially the guitar. "Megalomania" is my second favourite. I like the dark, psychedelic flavour to begin with. It's building. Keys after 3 minutes before the tempo picks up with riffs. I like the heavy, dark riffs before 5 minutes and a couple of minutes later. The rest in between though i'm not a fan. I prefer the first half of the song.

"The Thrill Of It All" opens with lots of drums and guitar before it breaks out with some heavy riffs and vocals. It changes to a beautiful sound after 3 minutes. "Supertzar" has choirs with guitar throughout. I like it. "Am I Going Insane" is commercial sounding but fun. It ends with some funny laughter. "The Writ" opens with Ozzy's vocals blasting off right away. A calm after 2 minutes. It changes to a lighter sound 4 1/2 minutes in to the end. Actually after 5 minutes i'm reminded of an Alice Cooper tune.

Tough to give this less then 4 stars but for me there are far too many sub par moments.