Scream

Scream is the eleventh album, made with Greek guitarist Gus G of Firewind replacing Zakk Wylde, who had supported Ozzy Osbourne for years. Under a new lineup of Blasko on bass, Tommy Clufetos on drums and Adam Wakeman on keyboards, it steps toward a modern metal with a different sense of speed and edge from the Wylde era. Gus G’s fluid, high-speed playing breathes fresh vitality into Ozzy’s gloomy melodies, giving the record a current-day energy that belies the veteran’s status. The forceful “Let Me Hear You Scream” is a signature song that drives the album with racing riffs and a catchy chorus. From the weight of the dark “Let It Die” and “Soul Sucker” to the lyrical “Life Won’t Wait” and the quiet closer “I Love You All,” a set full of shifting dynamics colors the whole record. Gus G’s technical solos make their presence felt at key moments while functioning to support the hooks. Debuting at No. 4 on the US album chart and updating the music with a new guitarist yet keeping Ozzy’s characteristic darkness and melody, it is an accomplished, ambitious challenge from the later part of his career.