VOLUME FOUR

It took almost as long to "Sabbath" to release this album than their first three ones. But serious drug addiction was affecting the band. It is a known fact that dear Ozzy and Bill were now completely addicted to cocaine. And lots of references to heavy drugs can be found on these songs even if the record company was trying to hide this as much as they could.

This album won't sound so heavy for the first time. "Changes" is a mellow soft-rock ballad featuring even some mellotron (!) but not really memorable and the short psychedelic / experimental (in my opinion, fully trippy) "FX" won't be remembered as a great track either. Just two fillers.

But several very good songs again will be written for this "Volume Four". Another great opener (but this has always been the case so far) in the form of "Wheels Of Confusion" with a somptuous finale : great guitar work but not in the heavy metal style. Almost refined ! Some seriously powerful harmony is to be noticed in there. "Supernaut" also belongs to the same category. Again, the heavy mood is mixed with a more "decent" rock. Good percussion work (solo ?) in the middle-part and great riff (but Iommi knows how to place them to seduce).

Some pure heavy ones as well of course (this is still "Sabbath", isn't it) ? Tommorrows Dream", "Cornucopia". And at the same time, a short acoustic guitar in the style of "Orchid" on "MOR". But "Laguna Sunrise" is not so good, by no means.

Even if this album is not 100% a heavy one (maybe 85% or so), it is far from being a favourite of the afternoon tea in those days.

"Flight Of The Rat" is again the inspiration for "Under The Sun" the powerful closing number. "Sabbath" can't hide this while listening carefully to it. It was already to be noticed on "After Forever" from "MOR". But the closing and repetitive part is just great. Iommi again displays all his skills and delivers such a great work. He is the one who is holding the whole band on his own. By now, "Sabbath" is HUGE. All over the world.

This album hitted the eighth spot in the UK charts (Nr. 12 in the US). Three stars.