For his 10th studio effort, self-proclaimed Prince of Darkness Ozzy Osbourne is switching things up. Parting ways with longtime collaborator amd lead guitarist Zakk Wylde — a separation he assures is entirely amicable—he’s since brought in new blood with ex-Firewind string-slinger Gus G. This, apparently, maintains Ozz's legacy of pyrotechnic axe men while offering something fresh after 20 years of the same old, same old. Still, despite the inclusion of G., bassist Blasko (Danzig) and drummer Tommy Clufetos (Alice Cooper), Scream still falls prey to the same worn conventions Osbourne is desperately struggling to elude.
From opener “Let It Die,” through lead single “Let Me Hear You Scream,” to closing ballad “I Love You All,” the album is mired in the very mid-tempo, de-tuned sludge that’s overtaken his musical idiom since the smash success of No More Tears. Essentially, Osbourne has been living off legacy, rather than relevance, for roughly15 years. While Scream will surely garner initial praise — every Osbourne album does, at least amongst diehards — it, too, will reveal itself to be little more than two or three decent tunes holding up a string of passable (or perhaps forgettable) fodder. Then we'll go back to Blizzard Of Ozz.
Post the first comment: (Login or Register)