Iommi – Fused

28 November 2023

“Fused” is the third solo album of the unquestionably wise master Tony Iommi, released in 2005. In this album, Tony worked with another legendary name, Glenn Hughes, with whom he worked on his previous solo album. This time they took Bob Marlette with them. Marlette not only produced the album, but also took part in the creation process of the album with Iommi and Hughes. Although all compositions are the product of the collective work of the three, Iommi’s weight is clearly felt.

The music on the album can be described as heavy metal, but a clear hard rock feeling prevails with the influence of Glenn Hughes’ vocals. Naturally, the guitar riffs mostly resemble Black Sabbath. Iommi’s delicious doomy riffs surround the album, but create an energetic, lively atmosphere that is far from gloom. The wonderful interpretation that Glenn Hughes adds to the songs with his tight, British-accented vocals is a hat-off. He has always reminded me of Ian Gillan, probably because he took on bass guitar/backing vocal duties in Deep Purple in the early stages of his career. This album is no exception.

Kenny Aronoff on drums is a name I had never heard of until this album. He is a well-known musician who had played drums behind many names from different genres, from Bon Jovi to Joe Cocker. Hughes and Marlette played the bass guitars. In fact, maybe you must be Robert Fripp to interpret this album in terms of instrumental proficiency. After all, we are talking about Iommi, Hughes and the musicians they chose to accompany them.

Iommi, who always finds great riffs and writes incredibly beautiful solos, has done wonders again with his old SG, where the seeds of heavy metal were sown. Tony, one of the most important people in the history of heavy music, wanders throughout the album like a sea captain crossing oceans and reaching other continents. ‘Fused’ is an emotional work that occasionally hosts stagnant moments, but overall it is a very moving work.

Of the album, where all the songs are very good, the heaviest song is ‘What You’re Living For’. They did not break the tradition of putting the best song last, which is a common situation in good albums. Because the last song ‘I Go Insane’ is an excellent song that deserves a separate parenthesis and additional few words. It is an exquisite work that fascinates the listeners with its 9 plus minutes duration, wonderful vocals and eclectic structure. The song, which starts with a ballad-like serenity and a beautiful solo, is a feast that will remain in your memory with its masterful diversity and its structure that gradually gets more intense towards the end. At the beginning of the fifth minute, it suddenly turns into Black Sabbath; then progressing with Hughes’ excellent vocals ends with a delightful guitar solo that enters after the harsh acoustic guitar-supported parts, and the subsequent chorus. Personally, I think it is one of the best compositions of Iommi’s solo career.

I would like to personally thank them for this marvellous album they released in 2005.

9,5/10

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