Dehumanizer -Spec/Digi- [Original recording remastered, Extra tracks, Original recording reissued]

I have been really looking forward for a deluxe issue for this now classic late Sabbath album for a significant period of time. It brought back a massive element of credibility and popularity right back to the Sabbath name after it's release in 1992; which in all truth had been in decline for some 10 straight years previous after a dire mid eighties stint, not even forgetting the light tapping of positive results that the Headless cross album righteously generated in 1989 was enough, even though it was an undeniably brave and excellent effort. But this was always the one for me, a massive revitalization of the name and a fresh Mob rules re-unite; and despite the briefness only a great album could result and that was exactly the case.

Despite being a long slow burner, Dehumanizer is one of the strongest releases of the late Sabbath canon, my standard beloved jewel case version has been with me for many years and it has long been a treasured part of my Sabbath collection as I have played this album hundreds of times over the years; so today presented me with a little anxiety when i bravely went out and bought this new 2CD digipak release as to not really fully knowing what to expect when I got home; I wanted to hear as little interference from modern technology and remastering as possible, I have had distinctly found in my past experience that they rarely serve as quality templates the second time round without soul destroying the whole sound quality thing. (A frequent and major complaint now-a-days.)

I am hugely thankful to report that I can conclude that this is not so the case here, Dehumanizer to my ears has been treated with the upmost of care, a light overhaul and removal of some of the dirtiness and clarity of the slightly dank production from the original recording - of which at the time's standards was also very good! The inevitable results on this deluxe edition are exceptional, the songs sound modern and fresh but crucially don't sound like they were recorded yesterday, and the other major plus is the classic 90's vibe has been fully preserved and showcased even if the sadly now deceased legend Ronnie James Dio is taken out of the equation. Everything here from the vocals and the instruments sound and seem remarkably clean and acute, Dehumanizer has really never sounded so good.

Dehumanizer is not an easy album to remaster, the intricate sounds and unique style of the album presented a huge danger of a murderous execution, it's been handled very well. Id also like to mention the extra disc which contains some live tracks from Sundome, Tampa in florida in 1992 as extra and also a few non album b-sides. No studio b-sides however regrettably, but the booklet inside is widely enhanced with an extra elaboration of photos and liner notes. All in all this is a triumph, even that amazing artwork is back and looks fantastic on a new pressed digipak!! I do however in respect of all this make no secret for the fact that Black Sabbath has indeed remained to be one of my favourite bands for many years, but this release for me really does deserve the top star rating, I was very impressed with it and would recommend it as a purchase as it is much better than the original release and is a definite worthy investment! even if you had the original album to start with as I had.

Yes, all the members of the band are great, and this can be witnessed from the very first song of the album

"COMPUTER GOD" , which I consider one of the best Black Sabbath songs ever made. Opening with some machinery sounds that fit the theme of the song, it doesn't take long to break into a great drum intro where one can witness already the intensity of Appice's drumming. And then enters Iommi, followed by Butler. With a classical Iommi riff. If you think it wasn't enough, Dio enters after that, sounding downright pissed off, this might be one of his most aggressive vocal performances. Of course, the rest of the album keeps a high level, why else would I rate this a 5?

After All (The Dead) is a song very reminiscent of the Ozzy era, with slow, doomy riffing, and an overall dark atmosphere. Naysayers of Dio, if you think he can't contribute to a dark atmosphere like Ozzy did, listen to this song. He manages something Ozzy never would be able to.

"Tv Crimes" - It opens with some crazy drumming and some chords over it, and shortly after comes the riffing. This song means serious business from the beggining. Up tempo, it covers the topic of religion, but Dio delivers the lyrics in such an amazing fashion that you could care less what the heck is he talking about. That doesn't mean the lyrics aren't good, because they are:

"Letters From Earth" - is a great song on it's own right, but I find it to be the album's worst. The opening riff is great, the verses have quite a bit of energy and are cool, and it has a great solo, but the chorus is definitely a low point in this song, it's nothing memorable or special. In fact, the song's not really memorable, but it's still good

"Master of Insanity" - Butler has his moment to shine here, with one of the coolest bass riffs I've ever had the pleasure of listening too. In fact, what moves this song is the riffs, and then Dio's vocals. Some of Iommi's and Butler's best riffs here. And the chorus, unlike Letters from Earth, is really memorable, with a lot of energy. Truly one of the highlights of the album

"Time Machine" - is quite a good song, but compared to others of the album, it's nothing too special. It still has some shining moments like the rising intensity of Dio's vocals and the short bass jam of Butler halfway through the song, but other than that it isn't too memorable

"Sins Of The Father" - A guitar/vocal driven song, opening with Dio's vocals and a subtle riff, and then every instrument joins in. I honestly haven't ever found it very interesting compared to the rest of the album, but it has some great moments like the chorus, the lyrics, and when the drums enter full force. Two of the weakest of the album, but still great.

"Too late" - The first time I listened to it I thought I was listening to Octavarium by Dream Theater, as the intro is quite similar. But then it changes. The main riff enters, and also Dio. Slow, haunting, dark, that's how it can be described. The lyrics are quite interesting, someone making a deal with the devil but then wanting to back out.

"I" - What a long title it has. After a single keyboard chord that opens, there's a moment of silence, and then the intro riff... And man, what a riff it is. A calm mood, the calm before the storm. Dio hums for a bit, and then... POW. The main riff enters full force. And then enters Dio sounding really pissed off, once again. He embraces being alone in this song like nothing else. The lyrics are honestly hilarious.

"Buried Alive" - This is a mid-tempo, pure rocking song. Quite a badass riff, even if simple. Dio's vocals once again are a highlight here. He sounds great. But the chorus is just too amazing. A cool riff played behind, and badass lyrics performed in a really cool way and there are 3 solos in this song. Yes, 3 SOLOS. After both of the choruses, and during the outro. And all are badass. Speaking about the outro, the final scream of BURIED ALIIIIIIVE is amazing. What a way to close this album.

Of course the bonus tracks on this album are amazing aswell such as "Master of Insanity (Single Edit)", "Letters From Earth (B Side Version)" - i find this version quite good aswell as the original." And "Time Machine" (Waynes World Version" Which is good too. yeah i know what you are thinking, Only 3 bonus tracks? nope you also get

Children Of The Sea Live
Die Young Live
Tv Crimes Live
Master of Insanity Live
Neon Knights Live

All Recorded live at The Sundome, Tampa, Florida on 25 July 1992

Amazing album for any sabbath fan, have a listen.