The Prince of Darkness has returned with a killer new album. ‘Patient No. 9’ is a celebration of what makes Ozzy Osbourne one of the true GOATS of rock music.
Featuring many guest artists such as Guns N Roses bassist Duff McKagan and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. ‘Patient No. 9’ is a true supergroup album. There’s a rotating gamut of legendary guitar guests as well. Zakk Wylde, Jeff Beck, Tony Iommi and Eric Clapton all lend their talents to the respected rocker. Igniting everything from Black Sabbath reunion rumors to super group formation potential.
And you know what? It all works. Creating a timeless Ozzy classic that’s sure to please all long time fans. And hopefully get a few new ones. 2020’s ‘Ordinary Man’ wasn’t the strongest album. In fact, the past 20 years have been hit or miss. 2002’s ‘Down To Earth’ has some great moments. And some not so great ones. 2007’s ‘Black Rain’ was fine. But also fairly predictable. 2010’s ‘Scream’ had great metal madness. But was inconsistent in some parts. But the new ‘Patient No. 9’ is a banger through and through.
The title track, feat. Jeff Beck, is an ultimate Ozzy classic. Worthy of his 80’s and early 90’s heyday. The Mike McCready (Pearl Jam) jam ‘Immortal’ sets a tone similar to the ’92 masterpiece ‘No More Tears.’ The first of the Zakk Wylde featured tracks starts with ‘Parasite.’ A generic song title indeed. But a quality song and riff none the less. ‘No Escape From Now’ is one of the most badass metal tracks done by Ozzy and Tony. A slow, heavy chug, combined with timeless vocal melodies that could fit in any era of Black Sabbath. ‘One of Those Days’ proved to be the most controversial track of the album. As featured guitarist Eric Clapton tried to convince Ozzy to change the lyrics. Apparently he didn’t like the ‘don’t believe in Jesus today’ line.
The next track to feature Jeff Beck, and first ballad on the album, ‘A Thousand Shades’ follows in the great Ozzy line up of ballads. It’s right up there with ‘Mama I’m Comin’ Home’ and ‘Goodbye to Romance.’ ‘Mr. Darkness’ has a bang on vibe that’s in line with ‘Immortal.’ While ‘Nothing Feels Right’ takes the balladry to the next emotional level. ‘Evil Shuffle’ rounds out the Wylde featured tracks. The slow burn blues metal grind gives into a latter creep groove during the bridge. Before ending on a strong hook. The final guitarist featured song ‘Degradation Rules’ with Tony Iommi is a killer. The harmonica element throws the track back the Black Sabbath debut album days. But with a modern twist and infectious groove.
‘Dead and Gone’ sounds like it would fit perfectly on Ozzy’s ’95 album ‘Ozzmosis.’ 90’s grunge is order of the day for the track. ‘God Only Knows’ closes the album out in typical ballad form. An Ozzy tradition going all the way back to ‘Blizzard of Ozz.’ A reflective song on the modern trials and tribulations we’re all facing in this day in age. ‘Darkside Blues’ is a short little epilogue track that rounds the album out. All in all a killer record.
‘Patient No. 9’ is an instant Ozzy classic. And his best album since ‘Ozzmosis.’ While many of his peers are either slowing down or simply touring on ‘the hits,’ Ozzy keeps releasing new, strong material. Well into his 70’s (he’s 73) and still rocking hard. With his clear, signature eerie voice that will haunt listeners for generations to come. Four out of five stars.
