Headless Cross

Headless Cross is a fulfilling work on which, while cored on Tony Iommi’s heavy riffs, gothic, solemn air and dramatic, beautiful melody are splendidly bound. A highly praised record that can be called one peak of the Tony Martin period. Tony Martin’s soaring, powerful voice and the big, powerful drums of the master Cozy Powell give the songs an imposing, sure scale. A record of higher polish. From the development from the opening intro to the solemn title track “Headless Cross” and the drama of “Devil & Daughter” to the epic “When Death Calls,” every song is engaging, while cuts like “Kill in the Spirit World” and “Nightwing” convey the work’s fullness. Tony Martin’s powerful singing is in sharp form throughout. A record on which, rather than merely sounding the darkness heavily, there is a clear, sure lift in the choruses and song development. While firmly keeping Black Sabbath’s tradition, it splendidly establishes a sure color particular to the later lineup. A powerful, engaging masterpiece representing the Tony Martin period — a record where the band’s fullness shines.