It’s Black Sabbath’s heaviest album. A hour long juggxrnaught of an album from top to bottom. A gamut of heavy metal excellence that stands the test of time. I’m talking of course of Black Sabbath’s ‘Dehumanizer’ album. Their 1992 Ronnie James Dio/Vinnie Appice reunion masterpiece.
By 1992, Sabbath had been through many line-up changes. With founder and guitarist Tony Iommi being the only constant. The last time the four members of the ‘Dehumanizer’ era played together was ten years prior. During the ‘Mob Rules’ tour. The story goes that the band had a falling out during the mixing of their live opus ‘Live Evil.’ During the interim years, Sabbath went through a series of line up changes. Including three singers, bass players and drummers. Including a short stint with original drummer Bill Ward.
After years of obscurity for Sabbath, the band reunited with Ronnie James Dio and Vinnie Appice for 1992’s mammoth ‘Dehumanizer.’ And it remains one of best in a long, storied catalog. From the two ton heavy groove of ‘Computer God’ to ‘Buried Alive,’ there’s really no letting up. ‘Dehumanizer’ stands as one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time. Including a killer contribution to the Wayne’s World soundtrack, ‘TV Crimes.’
It’s simply a top to bottom album. ‘Letters From The Earth’ brings in the major doom metal vibes. But with a modern, 90’s twist that’s easily heard through bands like Alice In Chains and Soundgarden. ‘Master Of Insanity’ remains one of the best Black Sabbath deep cuts in the entire entities existence. ‘Sins Of The Father’ contains a timeless ‘Beatlesesque’ rock modulation in the intro. Great harmonies and vocal melodies abound. Just before a classic Black Sabbath breakdown hits the speakers halfway through. The balladry of ‘Too Late’ rivals almost anything from the late 80’s/early 90’s ear of rock. While ‘I’ is one of the most bad ass, throw down Sabbath tracks ever created. Blues metal at it’s finest.
Fortunately, this line up of Black Sabbath reunited together. Although it was under the moniker of ‘Heaven and Hell,’ due to legal reasons. Fans knew that it was Sabbath. Dio’s voice shines through during one his final performances ever before his passing. Shown above. And while Black Sabbath have many memorable moments, ‘Dehumanizer’ remains one their crowning achievements.
