The 'Sabbath' wagon rolls on with incredibly their fifth album in four years and the quality is maintained with another blend of classic 'Sabbath' rockers and drug fuelled experimental material. 'Yes' legend 'Rick Wakeman' provides keyboards on this album, although perhaps some his contribution is a little over the top for the trademark 'Sabbath' sound.

The album opens with the titled track 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath', one of their most recognised songs and a total classic, 'Iommi's' riff work is so memorable, while lyrically powerful and with vocals that show how far 'Ozzy' has fallen since his glory days, the contrast between lighter chorus and heavier verses is also very effective. The strangely titled 'A National Acrobat' follows and while obviously a drug fuelled journey, an enjoyable winding mid-tempo piece, highlighting fine fret work, Ozzy's most maniacal vocals and solid driving work from 'Butler' and 'Ward'. The instrumental 'Fluff' follows and while this isn't indicative of 'Sabbath', it's a very nicely played piece, that said might have worked better on a 'Yes' album, especially with 'Wakeman's' keyboard work. The tempo is restored with the hypnotic rocker 'Sabbra Cadabra' a real lively, carefree piece with sublime rhythm, the mid track pace change is a nice touch and emphasises great work from both 'Ozzy' and 'Wakeman'- unusual but splendid track. The second half unfolds strongly with the superb 'Killing Yourself to Live', the guitars on this track are strangely tuned which gives an unnerving but clever edge, lyrically fun and beautifully executed- the later tempo pickup is also nicely worked. Less impressive is the synthesiser saturated 'Who are You', not one of their most impressive tracks which sounds extremely dated, unlike a lot of the other material. The slightly more commercial sounding 'Looking for Today' ensues and while not typically 'Sabbath' an enjoyable track, but that said hardly a highlight, especially with the repetitive closing vocal work. Lastly we are gifted 'Spiral Architect' a nicely penned mid tempo affair, musically it's just brimming, splendid keyboards, great rhythm and fine guitaring- a very progressive but impressive piece.

Another memorable blend of choice 'Sabbath', perhaps a little too progressive in places for my tastes, but still another early classic, that any 'Sabbath' fan will want in their collection.