The Info
To say that Ozzy has made his mark on the heavy metal community would be a serious understatement. From his days with Black Sabbath, and through his solo career he has continued to set the tone of what the genre was meant to be, over the top and exceesive. With his latest outing is the return of Zakk Wylde on guitars as well as veteran musicians Robert Trujillo on bass and Mike Bordin on drums.
The Music
It's been a while since we heard from Ozzy and his solo career. You might wonder how things might change in sound or writing. Well, this is Ozzy and one thing the fans will already be aware of is his consistency. The writing and sound are reminiscent of points early on in his career. Just add in a bit thicker sound due to todays technology. This album is definitely heavy. Lead off track 'Gets me through' is pretty typical of Ozzy anthems. Sure is good to hear Zakk and that nasty snarl again. I also dig 'Facing Hell'. This particular track sounds a bit more modern yet familiar. Definitely check out the solo on this one. Probably my favorite track due to the overflowing melody is 'Dreamer'. A look at some serious issues facing the world in this song. This tune could have easily been on one of Ozzy's first two albums. Phenomenal! Vocally, Ozzy seems to emrace his earlier sound. Just sounds like a younger Ozzy. Listen to tracks like 'No easy way out', 'Black Illusion', and 'Can you hear them?'. Maybe it's the solidity of his vocal approach. Doesn't miss a beat. These tracks are also very heavy. That seems to push him vocally and without missing a beat. For the nomination of which track would fit the amazing 'No more tears' album, 'That I never had' wins hands down. The guitar work is responsible for this. Also on this disc is a cool video feature that is suppose to be limited in pressing. There is some very early footage of the late Randy Rhoads that should please as well as some footage of a young Ozzy in Black Sabbath as well as the beginning of his solo career. Very nice addition to the cd. I would tell all that can to get this before it disappears. Hard to say, but maybe it already has??
Overall
This is another impressive effort from one of rock music's most colorful frontmen. The songwriting i great and the sound is right where the fans will want it. Judging by the impressive first week sales figures that forced this album to #4 on the Billboard charts, I am sure I won't have to tell you all to get it. For those of you who haven't picked it up, what the hell are you waiting for?? This one is a must!
The Info
If you are not familiar with Ray, you probably should be. This guy is another shredder with a building resume. Some may remember DeTone from his stint with Paul Dianno and Killers. He toured South America and appeared on the live album from that same region. Ray released the critically acclaimed solo album 'Once more... with feeling!!' in 1998 and now follows up with another platter of goodies.
The Music
One thing you figure out immediately with Ray DeTone is how much fun he must have playing some of these tunes. Humor thru guitar at points with tracks like 'Hoedown' which is a very good description of the tune in general. There are a few different other areas as well. Take 'Hard Ride' for example. Takes in a lot of different influences that may sound familiar to some, and adds the DeTone stamp to it. There is some very crunchy stuff in tracks like 'Strange World' and 'Suck off' with the latter being one of may favorites with it's great vibe. or the lighter side you have the acoustic 'King's Court' and 'The Gypsy's dance' which has a unique flavor. One thing to mention is the variety of styles played on this album. Ray really spreads it out and shows great aptitude with each style. Another thing is the way each song is titled. Some of these tunes can be predicted stylistically by the name of it. That's a nice touch to have on this disc. Makes for a very adventurous listen. I've seen the album listed as having all instrumentals, but it does indeed have vocal parts on 3 tracks with Ric Prince handling duties. The tracks with vocals include 'Strange World', 'Untold', and 'Suck off'.
Overall
This album is definitely a musical journey that makes a lot of stops in different areas. DeTone has a good natural instinct on what sounds good and works. He's a pretty dang good guitarist as well. He has surrounded himself on the album with musicians very capable of staying with him. This album is definitely worthy of your time and will definitely appeal to fans of guitar based compositions.
