Seventeen years ago, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Vinny Appice, and Ronnie James Dio (R.I.P.) joined forces to form Heaven & Hell to create one of the best heavy doom metal records, “The Devil You Know“. The riff master who invented heavy metal returns after two decades, bringing his oeuvre with eight songs that are arranged by the hand of doom.

First and foremost, this album delivers majestic riffs. The songs kick in with gripping, epic, and above all, Norwegian Jørn Lande vocals similar to Dio. If you’re a fan of albums like “Dehumanizer“, “Heaven and Hell“, and “Mob Rules“, then rest assured, because the songs are full of high-octane aggression. Even though I love Ozzy Osbourne with Black Sabbath, I must admit Dio and Tony Martin’s eras were all different; they brought something special to the music.

You won’t resist the crushing riffs in the opening track, “Over the Violent Sun,” which delivers traditional, authentic riffs. The heavy metal anthems combine mastery with soaring vocals and burst with titanic rage. The bass and drums are intense, and the reverberating guitar tone is instantly catchy; Tony Iommi steers the storm with all the mighty riffs.

“Black Times” brings the colossal dark doom metal riffs of Black Sabbath era. The bass guitar adds the perfect backing to plodding drums, and the melodies are brilliantly layered with doomful vocals. Under the Maestros’ command, Becky Baldin‘s bass thunders through searing guitar riffs.

“World Alone” takes a full detour into Sabbath’s last album, “13”, yet the devilish riffs will rock you hard, with catchy hooks in abundance. The album is appropriately diabolic, full of tendon-tearing riffs that capture the spirit of Heaven & Hell; expect to be thrilled by the force of aggression that overflows with ferocious energy. With its infectious grooves and powerful vocals, the choruses are hauntingly beautiful; riffs shatter the earth and make each song timelessly memorable.

“Beyond the Dead” will appeal to the fans of dark heavy metal. Excellent drum fills, crushing beats, and majestic keyboards by Mike Exter perfect the atmosphere; when the pace slows to mid-tempo, the composition shines. The insistent rhythms are grand and convey a thrilling mixture of doom and heavy metal, with solos towering over the catchy synth arrangements. The album is heavy and cruel, and tempo changes bring each song to an epic moment.

“Stormwatcher” rekindles the memories of Heaven & Hell. The riffing marches like colossal waves; the consistency and song structure are filled with restless and adventurous grooves. The vocal delivery is excellent and mind-blowing; even the slower, heavier sections imbue a gloomier chorus. Chunky riffs and spiraling solos accent the rhythm, and the pummeling drums are incredibly heavy; this album is a paragon of mastery.

Diversity is key on this album; the magic that these respectful musicians deliver is beyond anything I have heard. Each crushing riff recalls the days of “Dehumanizer”, and the epic choruses will shock you with top-notch vocals, while the rest of the band wields a powerful stomp of aggression.

“Death Wake” begins with slow guitar chords. The sinister doom metal riffs woven into a dark atmosphere showcase artistic and musical virtuosity. The 80s heavy metal elements captivate the ears with well-crafted composition, and the band’s chemistry is cohesive.

“Return of the Arbalist” features grandiose composition and well-crafted, ferocious vocal lines that deliver a fierce long-range scream. Fused with merciless riffs, the melodies add an extra charm to this boisterous track. The bass guitar and drums are also noteworthy and continue to reverberate through the heavy metal anthems; the riffing sets the standard for occult doom in its blackest embodiment. The final track “Legacy” weaves wicked elements of blues, atonal bass, and loud guitars that whip and punish.

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