The Eternal Idol

The Eternal Idol is a fulfilling work on which, cored on Tony Iommi’s weighty guitar, the new vocalist Tony Martin’s soaring, powerful voice adds sure drama. It is a memorable first work on which Martin, who would long support a stable period, joined after repeated member changes. Combining dark, heavy riffs and the rich shading of keyboards, the songs powerfully let you hear not only their eeriness but the sure sway of beautiful melody. From the solemn signature opener “The Shining” and the speeding “Ancient Warrior” to a cut like “Hard Life to Love,” every song is engaging, while cuts like “Glory Ride” and the dramatic “Nightmare” convey the work’s fullness. Tony Martin’s powerful, soaring singing is in sharp form throughout. A record on which, from the signature “The Shining” to the title track, the album, while firmly keeping classic Sabbath’s weight, moves powerfully toward a more lyrical, neat construction. It splendidly turned the repeated lineup changes into a new, rich expression rather than instability. A powerful, engaging record adorning the opening of a stable period — a record where the band’s new chapter shines.