Music DVD of the Week
Sabbath, bloody Sabbath. The undisputed masters of heavy metal are still going strong despite a combined age of over 200. Earlier this year Sabbath toured Australia, playing all the major cities. The Melbourne show at the Rod Laver Arena was recorded and is now available on DVD as Live… Gathered In Their Masses.
The DVD begins with footage of the Victorian fans waiting to get in. One proud father shows off his entire family; a heartwarming metal legacy which will ensure metal pride long into the metal future. There aren’t many bands that inspire such obsessive devotion, and most of them finished up in the ’70s.
From the opening strains of ‘War Pigs’, to Tommy Clufetos’ epic drum solo, all the way to the final song ‘Paranoid’, Ozzy Osbourne holds the crowd in the palm of his hand. He’s not a young man, and it shows, but he’s still Ozzy. He isn’t going through the motions, he’s giving it everything he’s got. Tony Iommi’s guitar work is just exemplary. His lymphoma diagnosis in 2012 initially delayed this tour and he is now receiving regular treatment, but it’s not at all noticeable in his performance. Clufetos, previously known for his tour work with Rob Zombie, is energetic onstage and clearly loves playing for Sabbath. Geezer plays so well you barely notice him.
Historically, this is probably not the best live recording of Black Sabbath, but it’s a great example of what the band is doing today. With 15 songs including classics like ‘Black Sabbath’ and ‘Iron Man’ as well as a few cuts from their new album 13, this DVD would make a fine addition to any Sabbath fan’s collection.
3.5/5 stars
BY JESSE HAYWARD
Black Sabbath : Live… Gathered In Their Masses is out now through Universal.
