Just when you thought Sabbath couldn't get any heavier, they reduce the world to ash with this truly outstanding record, that, in my eyes is their finest album. Originally, the record was going to be titled 'Snowblind', after the drug-induced track here that has become a Sabbath classic, an ode to cocaine up there with 'Sweet Leaf' in its monstrous riffing and Ozzy's yawning wail. 'Volume 4' is a doom metal record, years before the term 'doom metal' was even created, and generally classified hordes of bands who simply attempted to imitate Black Sabbath.'Wheels Of Confusion' is a lyrical masterpiece, but then again so many of the band's works are, although possibly written under the influence or some substance or other, which could probably also explain the weird 'FX' interlude on the record, a series of odd noises, which still make for a spooky listen, but the variety of songs on offer here is startling. 'Changes' is breezy yet also mournful, bringing to mind lost love and rainy days, as well as complete gloom and solitude, but for me the ultimate heavyweights on here are the thudding 'Cornucopia' and 'Under The Sun', two perfect examples of rock music long, long before its time as they lumber along. This goes without mentioning the merry medieval jig of 'St Vitus Dance', the fantastic 'Laguna Sunrise', 'Supernaut' and 'Tomorrow's Dream'.
The way the band churned these songs out is truly mind-blowing, an unbelievable consistency in writing song after song of pure class. There are some truly heavy slabs of dark rock on here, as well as subtle interludes making 'Volume 4' another candidate for the greatest rock album of all time.
10/10
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