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This one continues where the excellent 'Heaven and Hell' left off, but heavier and more sinister than its predecessor. Unfortunately this would be last studio album with 'Ronnie James Dio' other than the 92' release 'Dehumanizer', as internal disagreements caused Ronnie to leave. He later however, went on to form his own band simply titled 'Dio', which included drummer 'Vinnie Appice' who features on this album, as original member 'Bill Ward' was not available.

Kicking us off is 'Turn up the Night', a more commercial effort than most on the disc, but very catchy with a fine heavy bass line and 'Tony Iommi' at his best. 'Voodoo' is a dark and foreboding plodder, with cutting riff work and superb power vocals. 'The Sign of the Southern Cross' begins with a subtle melodic intro, that is broken by a heavy thundering rhythm, a very dark and menacing epic superbly accomplished and my pick of the disc. 'E5150' is an instrumental that couldn't get more evil if they tried, a completely menacing doom laden number which leads splendidly to the Sabbath classic 'The Mob Rules'. The title track of the film and a great 'Metal Anthem', its little surprise with its rolling riffs, thundering drum work and amazing power vocals. 'Country Girl' highlights a sweet heavy thumping rhythm, and Dio at his melodic best, not sure about the lyrics though. 'Falling of the Edge of the World' is an absolute jewel, with its intricate acoustic intro, sparkling chorus and fast riffs- superb. 'Slipping away' and 'Over and Over' are the albums weaker tracks but even these keep the interest with impressive guitar and vocal work.

I think its a real shame Dio only recorded two albums with Black Sabbath (on this stint), 'Heaven and Hell' and 'Mob Rules' are two of my favourite Sabbath albums, and I'm sure if he had continued they would have produced another classic like this. 'Ian Gillan' was the replacement, and while a big fan, I don't really consider his style suitable for the Sabbs, 'Tony Martin' work is respectable but doesn't quite 'cut the ice' with me.

Black Sabbath:- Mob Rules Release:- 1981 Band Members:- Tony Iommi, Ronnie James Dio, Geezer Butler, Vinnie Appice, Krillion's Rating:- 88%
This one continues where the excellent 'Heaven and Hell' left off, but heavier and more sinister than its predecessor. Unfortunately this would be last studio album with 'Ronnie James Dio' other than the 92' release 'Dehumanizer', as internal disagreements caused Ronnie to leave. He later however, went on to form his own band simply titled 'Dio', which included drummer 'Vinnie Appice' who features on this album, as original member 'Bill Ward' was not available. Kicking us off is 'Turn up the Night', a more commercial effort than most on the disc, but very catchy with a fine heavy bass line and 'Tony Iommi' at his best. 'Voodoo' is a dark and foreboding plodder, with cutting riff work and superb power vocals. 'The Sign of the Southern Cross' begins with a subtle melodic intro, that is broken by a heavy thundering rhythm, a very dark and menacing epic superbly accomplished and my pick of the disc. 'E5150' is an instrumental that couldn't get more evil if they tried, a completely menacing doom laden number which leads splendidly to the Sabbath classic 'The Mob Rules'. The title track of the film and a great 'Metal Anthem', its little surprise with its rolling riffs, thundering drum work and amazing power vocals. 'Country Girl' highlights a sweet heavy thumping rhythm, and Dio at his melodic best, not sure about the lyrics though. 'Falling of the Edge of the World' is an absolute jewel, with its intricate acoustic intro, sparkling chorus and fast riffs- superb. 'Slipping away' and 'Over and Over' are the albums weaker tracks but even these keep the interest with impressive guitar and vocal work. I think its a real shame Dio only recorded two albums with Black Sabbath (on this stint), 'Heaven and Hell' and 'Mob Rules' are two of my favourite Sabbath albums, and I'm sure if he had continued they would have produced another classic like this. 'Ian Gillan' was the replacement, and while a big fan, I don't really consider his style suitable for the Sabbs, 'Tony Martin' work is respectable but doesn't quite 'cut the ice' with me.
Track Listing:- Turn up the Night, Voodoo, The Sign of the Southern Cross, E5150, The Mob Rules, Country Girl, Slipping Away, Falling of the Edge of the World, Over and Over,