Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *
Such is the presence of Ozzy Osbourne and Ronnie James Dio in the minds of Black Sabbath fans universally that some names are forgotten, almost sideswiped out of existence, and even if it was for a tour, a stop gap in the story as others dropped out before pushing their way back in, they still deserve to be recognised, and whilst Ian Gillan and Glenn Hughes have offered more to the band’s history compared to say David Walker or Ron Keel, what should be not only remembered, but lauded, is the effect that Tony Martin had on the soul of the Godfathers of Heavy Metal.
It seems almost strange that the fans have had to wait such an extreme amount of time to feel the strength of emotion and unrelenting rock voice of Tony Martin once again at the helm in any type of re-issue, and yet patience is arguably a virtue, patience brings elegance, patience is master of its own reality and in Black Sabbath: Anno Domini 1989-1995 that patience is reward with one of the most eagerly awaited releases in recent years.
Whilst the box set doesn’t include Tony Martin’s first recording with the Birmingham metal god Tony Iommi, 1987s Eternal Idol, the fact the marvellous Headless Cross, Tyr, Cross Purposes, and Forbidden have been afforded such glorious treatment in the re-issue, either by remastering or remixing is a joy to the fan and a proof positive to the singer himself that what the band had in the blistering period was just as phenomenal, just as explosive as what went before with either Ozzy or Dio.
Never judge a book by its cover, or a box set by its presentation, but from the outset the adrenaline is pushed, it impels the listener to feel the furnace that is burning beneath the sumptuous packaging, and like a sacrifice, willingly throw yourself into the fire and feel the burn of beauty.
Across the entire release, the twin barrels of Tony Iommi’s guitars and Tony Martin vocals meld so well that the various musicians that weave their own power and influence across the four albums, Geoff Nicholls, the legendary Cozy Powell, Bobby Rondinelli, the coolness of Geezer Butler, Laurence Cottle and Neil Murray, as well as the special guest appearances of Brian May and Ice-T, all seem to grow beyond what may have been expected in other circumstances; volcanos all asking for their own display of immense power to be recognised and understood.
An enormous release, a deep sense of respect shown to a vocalist who in many ways inspired the band, pushed Tony Iommi to keep the name and the sound going far longer than might have been possible.
Black Sabbath: Anno Domini 1989-1995 is heavy metal heaven. Ian D. Hall