On the MP3 player today.... 13 - Black Sabbath

13
BLACK SABBATH
VERTIGO RECORDS
2013

I was rather interested in the release of this album - it being the first release with the original members since 1978's Never Say Die. Then I found out that it was only 3/4 of the original members with original drummer Bill Ward. He bowed out of the project in February last year citing a 'contractual dispute'.

I have to say that this put a dampener on my interest in this album as Bill Ward's drumming is one of the things I enjoy most about Sabbath. However replacement Brad Wilks of Rage Against The Machine does okay. He hasn't got the groove, flair or swing that Bill Ward has in my opinion.



On the whole the album is okay. I can't think of another band in this genre who could pull off releasing an album of this standard after a 35 year break from recording together. The album's first couple of tracks felt slightly too sluggish, they do begin to drag a little. The highlights of the album are the tracks 'Loner', 'Age Of Reason' & 'Piece Of Mind'.

'Loner' really does sound like a rehash of the 1970 Sabbath track 'N.I.B', maybe that's why I like it.
Certainly after 45 years of substance abuse, it's quite amazing that Ozzy Osbournes voice is still there.
It's certainly much weaker than on other Sabbath albums, but it was always going to be. At least he sticks within his current range, even if it sounds like there may well be electronic assistance involved.
Unexpectedly though, especially with Rick Rubin producing the album, the sound quality of the album isn't good at all. I felt that the drums were far too loud. All instruments except Geezer Butlers bass sound over compressed. It just doesn't sound natural. The bass sounds a little loose but that could be just because the rest is so out.



13 is certainly no classic album, but it is the first Sabbath album since Paranoid in 1970 to top the charts. Did we really want another Black Sabbath LP? Well, had Bill Ward completed the original line up then i'd have said "Yes, why not?" - I mean, Ozzy was sacked in 1979 for his erratic behaviour & the 'Never Say Die' album of 1978 was recorded in a disjointed haze of alcohol & drugs by what was essentially a dysfunctional band.


So, after 35 years, it may have seemed a nice way for the same 4 bandmates gain closure on a career spanning back to 1968 & end on a high, rather than a piece of work that you were embarrassed about - Saying that I do like the 'Never Say Die' album!

However, for the fan of the original band, does this seem like a celebration of Black Sabbath - or are we left hoping that there's one more album recorded and mixed better with Bill Ward on the drums?