Metal Reviews

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Music is pretty good, but the singing not so much.

I absolutely love this CD, but then again when I bought this one back in 1990 (probably my 3rd or 4th CD) I had no idea what modern day Black Sabbath was supposed to sound like, my only other exposure being We Sold Our Soul for Rock'n'Roll (my first CD). So I took it at face value: an epic concept album. Considering my other main musical interests at the time were Celtic and Classical, and I thought The Elder was great for what it was, it wasn't a stretch to appreciate it.

The songs are thin on actual riffs, but they are big on chorus, big on atmosphere and most importantly big on structure. Tony does a great job on vocals too. For me it fills a niche in my library that basically nothing else does.

85/100

I cant believe this album got ranked so low, this is at least an 80/100.

Anyone else thinks that Manowar should cover "Valhalla"? The lyrics are great, bring all the mythological aspects while giving a "deep" sort of epic feel.

"Leading us on, to the land of Eternity
Riding the cold cold winds of Valhalla

The Kingdom of Odin is the Kingdom of Gods
Where only souls of the brave may rest in peace
But someone among them had the skill of deceit
And raised the hand that would
open the road to Hell

When the winds of Valhalla run cold
Be sure that the blood will start to flow
When the winds of Valhalla run cold
Valhalla

The ring has been broken and a soul must be saved
Among the bravest of men, who rides to Hell
The longships are sailing and the chariots ride
And yes the anger of Thor will serve you well

Raise your hands
Reach and Valhalla will save your soul
Raise your eyes
And Odin will lead us on

They say that history repeats itself
Upon the year of the seventh Century
Well nobody knows no you never can tell
So you'd better run now and hide away"

This album is pure brilliance. Some of the best riffs, lyrics & vocals of the entire Sabbath catalogue. I don't understand why people love to slag this album. 95/100. (I'll deduct a couple of points for "Feels Good To Me" which doesn't really belong on the album)