Review by Michael on December 13, 2001.

Well, well, well. The original drugged up god of metal is back with his 8th solo album, and I have to say, after only a few spins I'm reassured that he really is the 'Lord of the Metal'. After being disappointed with his last studio release "Ozzmosis" in 1995, I was not building up this album too much before having a listen, but what a surprise!!! Zakk and Ozzy have outdone themselves with some mean, straight out old school crunching metal. This album will have all the old metalheads around the world loosening up their stiff necks very fast indeed. I get the distinct feeling that Zakk has been listening to Skid Row a little over the past year....

Now to the cracked out man himself. It sounds like this album is somewhat of a release for the aging metaller, long gone is the symbolism and underlying sentiments in Ozzy's traditional cloudy lyric writing style, instead we are presented with a very open and almost confessional look at exactly where he is in his life today. With tracks like the aptly titled 'Junkie' and the exellent opener 'Gets Me Through' this album is the best thing to come from the man in quite some years....how can he keep producing such brilliant albums?....I guess bigger question is how is he still functioning at all?

"Down to Earth" owes much to what I think is by far the best band Ozzy has ever assembled. Zakk Wylde on guitar needs no introduction, if you are not familiar with his work then I suggest you close the window you are viewing and walk away from the computer now. In usual flamboyant Zakk styling his solo's are more outragous and cocky than ever, and as mentioned before the riffing is "heavy as fuck" as quoted by Zakk himself. Just add ex-Faith No More members Mike Bordin (drums) and Robert Trujillo (bass) and you have one of the best 'all star' line-ups you could wish for.

Bottom Line: Fists up people, bang your heads and punch the air with pride!!!! Real old school metal returns with the only man who can pull it off.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Originality: 5
Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 8
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.2 out of 10