VOLUME FOUR

Black Sabbath Volume 4 comes after a "larger than life" statement of the previous album that was in effect the weakest of the first three LPs. However, it follows on the "Masters"'s format of introducing shorter and acoustic tracks, perfecting it to the point that Vol. 4 presents a coherent collection of different styles.

The opening "Wheels of Confusion" is a long, progressive track in its own right and one of the group's best moments ever. Mellotron-laden "Changes" shows a gentle, softer side of SABBATH as well as the acoustic "Laguna Sunrise". Nice and needed ingredients to join all other heavy parts together. "Tomorrow's Dream", "Snowblind" and "Cornucopia" are heavy classics that were unavoidable addition to many later compilations and live sets.

This album re-affirmed BLACK SABBATH as the leaders of the emerging heavy metal genre and still represents one of their best works.

PERSONAL RATING: 4/5

P.A. RATING: 4/5