The seventh album from Peter Steele and co. and one with plenty of thrash metal, just check out the frantic metal assault of 'She Burned Me Down'. This band take the classic Sabbath sound and then add keys and harmonies that at times wouldn't look out of place on an AOR album!

Opener 'Dead Again' is a case in point with its driving riffs and keys plus 'ooh ooh' backing on the chorus, making for a very accessible song. 'September Sun' starts with a lovely gentle piece of piano playing before the doom riffs kick in, brilliant stuff.

Peter Steele does add a dark humour to the lyrics as can be heard on 'Ode To A Locksmith', whilst 'Halloween In Heaven' is pure brutal metal riffing. The whole sound is crystal clear and each song has plenty of depth, there is no skimping on the sound or riffs.

On this album the slower number shave been reduced in favour of a much faster, aggressive sound and long time fans will be pleased. If you like Sabbath and gothic metal you really do need this album as no-one out there does it this well.

****½

Review by Jason Ritchie