Even as recently as a year ago, most metal fans with a thimble-full of knowledge of Black Sabbath would have scoffed at the idea that they’d be releasing a brand new studio album in 2013. A band that have had more bust-ups and break-downs than the entire residents of Coronation Street, the Brummie legends’ lives really have been just like a soap opera over the decades.
They’ve sued each other, survived cancer and various other near-death experiences, snorted anything they could get their mitts on and been involved in generations-worth of slagging matches. Despite all the bitterness, bad blood and (pathetically) poop-filled boxes posted to ex-band members, however, one thing always remained pure and that was their music. 13 – the first full-length record to feature Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler together since ‘78’s Never Say Die! – sees the band attempting to rekindle the spark that birthed a genre.
Featuring eight tracks, 13 is an incredibly self-referential record. ‘Zeitgeist’ bears more than a passing resemblance to their beautiful sci-fi lullaby ‘Planet Caravan’; the harmonica on ‘Damaged Soul’ calls to mind ‘The Wizard’; and, as a whole, the riff-laden album resonates with a defiant “if it ain’t broke” mentality.
Iommi’s guitar playing is immaculate throughout and his blistering solo on ‘Loner’ is up there with his best work. Ozzy’s voice is nice and eerie, holding together for the most part. While it almost goes without saying that 13 isn’t as good as the standard-setting Master Of Reality, or Heaven And Hell from the Dio-era, the record is a welcome new chapter. Here’s hoping they can get drummer/founding member Bill Ward back into the fold for its follow-up.

Key Track: 'Damages Soul'

7/10