IOMMI with Glenn Hughes – The 1996 DEP Sessions

Posted: 01/26/05

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category: Hard Rock/Heavy Metal

Released: 09/28/04

Label URL: www.sanctuaryrecordsgroup.com

Artist URL: www.iommi.com    www.glennhughes.com

When I interviewed vocalist Glenn Hughes several years ago, he told me about this reunion cd with Tony Iommi.  Apparently, a bootleg of it had hit the streets before it was ever officially released.  Now, for the first time, it receives a proper release, but was it worth the wait?

While the 1986 Black Sabbath featuring Tony Iommi recording Seventh Star was not universally embraced, it is one of my personal favorites.  I just loved the combination of Iommi and Glenn Hughes. Sure, it’s not Ozzy or Dio Black Sabbath, and probably should never have carried the Sabbath name, but as far as melodic metal goes, it’s a keeper.  Simply put, that’s what I was expecting from The 1996 DEP Sessions. 

I have mixed feelings about this one, but I must admit that every time I listen to it, I like it a little more.  Honestly, though, I really disliked the cd the first few times that I plugged it in.  While there is some of the tone that made Seventh Star so great, the songs on The 1996 DEP Sessions just aren’t as good.  While Seventh Star balanced the somber with the melodic, this one doesn’t always do this as successfully.  In spots, I find Iommi’s bottom heavy rhythms overpowering Glenn’s melodic pipes.  Case in point, is the rhythmic thickness and plodding on “Time Is The Healer.”  This song would suit Dio or Ozzy but isn’t really appropriate for Hughes, although he tries his best to add some excitement to this slower-than-a-tortoise track.  Even the opener, “Gone,” which was excellent when a reworked version appeared on Hughes’ 2000 solo album Return Of Crystal Karma, lands with a thud.   “Don’t You Tell Me” is one moment when everything comes together though – Glenn’s soaring, the fat riffs, and most importantly some tasty solos.  The problem is that it seems that Iommi forgot to add the solos to most of the songs.  “Don’t Drag The River,” “It Falls Through Me,” and “Fine” are full-on melodic songs with somber tones, but overall, very little Sabbath influence.  They work well, but are they as good as Seventh Star’s “No Stranger To Love”?  Not really.  “I’m Not The Same Man” is quick paced, much like Seventh Star’s “In For The Kill,” but the vocal hooks are lacking. 

The Bloody Truth: While there are clearly some weak points, there is something interesting about these two guys working together.  Maybe, these songs were works-in-progress that were never quite finished.  If that’s the case, they had the makings of something really good.  In this state, The 1996 DEP Sessions are an interesting listen, but certainly not essential.  The next Iommi recording will also feature Glenn Hughes, as songs are being worked out now.  I look forward to checking that one out, as I believe their various styles, if balanced, could yield a great album.