MOB RULES

4.5 stars. I must say i'm shocked at how low the ratings are for this album. It's in the same style as the previous one "Heaven And Hell" and it's really a toss up as to which one is better (a matter of opinion of course) yet this is rated way lower here. Makes no sense. "Mob Rules" may not reach the heights of "Heaven And Hell" but it doesn't reach the lows either, it's much more consistant. "RYM" has them rated fairly evenly and that's the way it should be. My rant is over (haha). Again we have the late and great Ronnie James Dio on vocals with Iommi, Butler and for the first time on drums Vinnie Appice as Ward has left. The only negative I have for it is the album cover. What were they thinking ? I've blacked out mine from just below the album's title and it looks cool now.

"Turn Up The Night" hits the ground running as vocals join in quickly.Iommi is ripping it up 2 minutes in. What I like about the SABBATH's Dio years is that Iommi is playing faster and has become more inventive at the same time. "Voodoo" is a bit slower paced than the opener as the guitar grinds it out and drums pound. Great sound here. "The Sign Of The Southern Cross" is a top three for me. Gentle guitar to open as reserved vocals join in. It kicks in heavily before 1 1/2 minutes then settles back. Contrasts continue. Guitar solo before 5 minutes. What a powerful track ! "E5150" is the only instrumental and it's very experimental. Deep sounds a minute in and spacey sounds late. I like this one a lot. "The Mob Rules" sounds amazing. Lots of energy on this one. Guitar solo 1 1/2 minutes in. Vinnie really shines on this one. Great line "If you listen to fools, the mob rules".

"Country Girl" is a top three for me as well. Some nice in your face guitar to start as they slow it some here. Love the vocals. The calm 1 1/2 minutes in is so good, then it kicks back in. "Slipping Away" opens with aggressive guitar as the drums pound. Dio is powerful as usual. Iommi before 2 1/2 minutes puts on a show. Check Butler out as well. "Falling Off The Edge Of The World" is my other top three. It becomes dark, almost doom-like at 1 1/2 minutes. Guitar after 2 minutes as it picks up. Hell yeah ! I'm moved by the guitar solo after 3 1/2 minutes. Guitar and drums stand out early on the final track "Over & Over". Vocals before a minute cry out. Guitar solo before 2 1/2 minutes goes on and on. Nice. More prolonged guitar before 4 minutes.

Sorry about my opening rant and thankyou to all of my Metal friends (Bonnek, Raff, UMUR, b olariu) that have reviewed this album (all gave 4 stars). That's all that matters. RIP Ronnie James there was no one who could sing like you.