Fourth album in for the 'Sabbs' and it's business as usual, as they continue to define the early 70's Metal genre. Generally very similar in approach to 'Masters of Reality', with the usual blend of early Metal classics and the occasional more progressive drug fuelled journeys.

The heavy-weight, riff driven epic 'Wheels of Confusion' opens and fails to disappoint, the initial rhythm work is hypnotic, while the more upbeat pace change definitely adds another facet, this is all tied together with 'Ozzy's' unmistakable vocals and usual pioneering guitar work. The tempo is lifted for the punchy rocker 'Tomorrows Dream', which at times is reminiscent of 'Paranoid' with the rolling riff work and entertaining lyrics, as with that song, this is also a winner and a prime example of the classic 'Sabbath' sound. The pace drops for the ballad 'Changes' a piano heavy piece that while emotionally sung and performed, is hardly indicative of their usual material- 'Ozzy's' chart topping version with daughter 'Kelly' was incidentally atrocious. Not quite sure what to make of 'FX', maybe under the influence of an illegal substance this might sounds alright, as it stands it's not really worthy of inclusion. Back on track is the riff driven 'Supernaut', a jazzy rocker complete with sublime grooving rhythm and guitar work- 'Bill Ward's' drumming is also particularly praiseworthy. Better still is the classic 'Snowblind' a pulsating cracker, fuelled by a mesmerising riff and further braced by 'Ozzy's' most convincing vocals on the haunting yet timeless lyrics. Next up is 'Cornucopia' a gloomy instrumental packed number, that while promising in parts, ultimately lacks a little direction, while the instrumental 'Laguna Sunrise' is a beautiful piece, although not the kind of song you associate with 'Sabbath', still a very respectable cut. The momentum is upped with the lively plodder 'St. Vitus Dance', a difficult track to describe, I suppose a sort of Folk meets Psychedelic Hard Rock, different but still definitely classic 'Sabbath' with 'Ozzy' on fine form. 'Vol 4' closes with the dark, moody plodder 'Under the Sun', another overlooked jewel with more than a nod to 'War Pigs', 'Tony Iommi's' guitaring is just superb, while the whole song is excellently constructed and creates great imagery.

The mighty 'Sabbs' roll on with another classic album, perhaps not as consistent as 'Masters of reality' but there's more material here and all told just as good.