HEAVEN AND HELL

After two shakey albums with the possibly drug induced, Ozzy Osbourne, bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward deceided to kick him out (with Ward on the way). The band, struggling to find a singer, found Ronnie James Dio; ex-Rainbow and Elf, and one of the (soon to be) most respected rock singers of all time. Both of Sabbath's albums with Dio were excellent, some of early prog metal's best.

1.Neon Knights - The classic Dio track, with it's proto-thrash beat and heavy riffing, it's one of the best. The vocals from Dio are so fierce and intense, and his sense of melodies were much better than Osbournes, shown well on this track. Butler rocks his bass, as his riffing his totally murky but thrash at the same time. The mysticism in the lyrics is excellent as well, showing the new energy that was found within the band. (10/10)

2.Children of the Sea - One the epic tracks on the album, emotion has never flown through the band quite like this. Instrumentation from Iommi, Ward and Butler are at their highest, and the passion in Dio's vocals are unheard of nowadays. Totally dark and menacing type of track, with huge and catchy chorus that only a pop band could make are now being made by a heavy metal band. Some great stuff on this track. (9.5/10)

3.Lady Evil - Though a grooving track, isn't anything special. The cut itself isn't very consistent and is a total experiment. Great lyrics and melodies, but the instrumentation and vocals don't really mesh with each other and can sound otherwise awkward in some situations. The typical 80s chorus is also here. (7.5/10)

4.Heaven & Hell - Easily the best and most well known of the tracks, is a dark tale of the mysteries of Heaven and Hell. The lyrics are excellent, and not to mention how proggy and epic they are. The music is even better, the dynamics are excellent, as the movements from quite and dark to heavy and aggressive are seamless and can totally send chills down anyones spine. Dio's vocals are at their best, as he belts some of the most meaningful words in rock history. A true classic. (10/10)

5.Wishing Well - A more ubeat track, almost pop metal. The song really dosen't work with the rest of the album, as the lyrics don't really connect with the fast music, as the fairy and rainbows don't mix well. Good instrumentation just dosen't work with the lyrics, but the vocals from Dio are at their best. (7/10)

6.Die Young - A experimental as every, but works even better than the other tracks. The synthesizers are excellent and very dramatic; major part of the music. Iommi's guitar playing is epic, and very emotional. Bass riffing has never been better, as Butler sends the bottom end to a new realm. The drumming from Ward is exceptional as well, as his fast- paced beats are heavy and trippy. The vocals from Dio are amazing, and the lyrics are excellent as well. The mood changes are excellent for such a short track as well. A classic track. (10/10)

7.Walk Away - Another poppy track from the album, is not as epic as previous track, but its a well crafted pop cut. The bassline especially is excellent on the track, and the fast buildup is well appreciated. Overall, not a standout track, but it definatly isn't a weak track, with the catchiness and great melodies. (8/10)

8.Lonely is the Word - The perfect way to end an album. Heavy metal at its best, as the riff and slow beat make the dark cut even better. Dio's vocals are lower than usual, but are powerful and are excellent. New chords are added hear an there, which adds to the intensity of the track. Lyrics are great and the rhythm section is totally rocking, with it's unusal beat and great way of keeping the uniqueness of the album high. A great closer. (9.5/10)

Though the album has a few faults, it's extremely consistent. Great playing from all members, especially newcomer Ronnie James Dio. A 5 star effort, as you truely do need this in your rock collection or prog collection.