SABOTAGE

Progressive Metal perfection all the way through. This album is a milestone, as it single- handedly created Prog Metal and Thrash Metal, all in one album! The scorching guitar riffs, freenzied bass playing, searing vocals and insane drumming combine to make a truely unique sound, far different than the previous records that were released by this band. Though alcohol and drugs will get in the way of their creativity soon, Black Sabbath were amazingly consistent through this album.

1.Hole in the Sky - One of the top cuts from the album. The almost demonic lyrics from Geezer Butler are augmented by the devilish playing of the band. Some of their best, musically. Ozzy Osbournes shriek is subdued in this album, but is full force for this track. Heavy riffs and pounding rhythm section make the track near perfection for an opener. (9.5/10)

2.Don't Start (Too Late) - The most classical off the tracks, as it's an almost neo-medival guitar track. It's not bad, per-say, but is really uneeded after the amazing force of the opening and the track afterwards. (8/10)

3.Symptom of the Universe - Easily the most thrash off the album, making a genre all by itself in less than seven minutes. The hell-like riff by Tony Iommi is one of his best, as Bill Ward shuffles well through the song. Great lyrics, child of love seems to be the main point. Bass playing from Butler is top form, and keeps the rhythm steady in such an odd way. Through the hard-rocking breakdowns through the track, it ends up as a folky acoustic number near the end of the track. An odd way to finish a song, but it works perfectly. (10/10)

4.Megalomania - Black Sabbath at their most psychedelic. This is one of their best almost ten minute songs, as they show their knowledge of their instruments well. The song is almost more paranoid and crazy than their album Paranoid. Osbourne has never sounded better throughout this track either, as the insane lyrics are convincing. A classic track. (10/10)

5.The Thrill of It All - Not as heavy as the past few tracks, but it's every bit as enjoyable. The song has a killer riff and the tempo changes that are thrown in are excellent, as the rhythm section of Butler and Ward play extremely well. Vocals by Osbourne seem very lazy on the track and the lyrics don't really seem to have much of an impact on me, although there are come christian links in the song. (9/10)

6.Supertzar - Maybe the most experimental of the tracks, due to choir and very soft feel of the track, though still have a rough edge with the guitar riff. The track really goes no where for me, as the choir excellently sings to a song that seems to have no direction. Nothing too interesting, though the new direction is appreciated. (7.5/10)

7.Am I Going Insane? (Radio) - One of the most underrated of the tracks, is one of my favourites. The heavy synthesizers on the track are excellent, though the robotic playing makes the guitars a little bit background, make the track another new direction. Excellent freak lyrics, as Butler roles out some great words and basslines. Bill Wards drumming is in top form, as are Ozzy's totally new type of vocals. (9.5/10)

8.The Writ - The best and most progressive off of the album, the track is so beautiful to my ears. It's in my top five favourite tracks ever by any artists, thats how much I appreciate it. Excellent lyrics about anger towards a previous manager, Ozzy has the single-handedly best vocal line in this song. His range in the acoustic sections are totally trippy and sound near perfection. Lets not forget about the guitar master of Iommi, as his riffs are crunching and some of the best on the album. The steady drumbest is great, and the watery bassline is trippy and experimental in it's own right. A prog classic. (10/10)

Through the experimention came success. The album took new directions and made them their own, with one of their best albums ever. A 5 stars because of how consistent the tracks are and how different they all sound. You must have it in your collection if your a prog fan or a rock fan, as it will help with both needs.