Patient Number 9
Ozzy Osbourne is not just another heavy metal vocalist. If you ask most metal fans, they’ll tell you that he is a pioneer. In many ways, Black Sabbath is the archetype of what became the metal band, not only in terms of the hard-hitting sound, but also when it comes to the darker aesthetics and imagery around the music. Ozzy and his band took what Led Zeppelin started and took it to the extra mile, laying the foundation of modern metal. Even outside his work with Black Sabbath, Ozzy managed to stay relevant and make music that transcended eras and generations. He even collaborated with contemporary stars like Post Malone, showcasing his ability to have enduring appeal that transcended generation. His most recent studio work “Patient Number 9”, feels like a celebration of many decades of making music. The set-list has a star-studded cast of collaborators, including guitar virtuoso Jeff Beck, as well as heavy metal axemen Zakk Wylde. Black Sabbath fans will recognize a familiar name: Tony Iommi, joining Ozzy on this one for a few numbers. “Patient Number 9” features songs that are pure fun and energetic. The title track has a melody and a vibe that feels like it’s coming straight out of an 80s Bon Jovi record. On the other hand, “Immortal” (with Mike McCready) almost nods at bands such as Rush. One of the most high-profile collaborators on the album is probably Eric Clapton. The iconic British guitar legend appears on “One of The Days,” providing some juicy and highly recognizable blues rock licks. One of the album’s heavy hitters is perhaps “Degradation Rules,” a massive scorcher featuring Tommy Iommi’s fat riffs and droning guitars chords. One of the most unique songs on the record is perhaps “Darkside Blues.” This song has a truly interesting production: it feels like a delta blues record from the 30s being broadcasted from outer space. Ozzy’s cutting vocals are still highly recognizable even under the layers of lo-fi reverb and saturation.
All in all, this is a pure rock album with so many influences. It’s fun and vibrant, and it shows that Ozzy is still eager to make music that genuinely connects with the audience. Although there are many retro vibes and influences from various era of rock, the sound of the production is very modern, making for an excellent progression of the genre and showing that there is still a place for classic rock vibes in modern music. – Georgina Strilakos