It’s been a particularly tough few years for the Prince of Darkness. If the copious tabloid reports are to be believed, the former Black Sabbath frontman might even be forced to call it a day due to numerous health issues. Well, if the co-creator of heavy metal is on his last legs, then he’s going out kicking some ass.

Once again teaming with producer Andrew Watt, who helped Ozzy birth his best album in decades (2020’s Ordinary Man), Patient Number 9 is a truly thunderous listen.

Boasting a glittering array of guest stars, including guitar heroes Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and ex-Sabbath bandmate Tony Iommi, the album sees Ozzy soar. Unflinchingly dark, both musically and lyrically, the epic ‘Nothing Feels Right’ is a highlight, which finds him refusing to go gently into that good night. Elsewhere, old school Ozzy fans will love ‘Degradation Blues’ and ‘Immortal’.

The former harks back to his youth peddling doom-laden blues, while the latter is a stadium-rattling, high-octane rocker. While Ozzy’s days as a touring performer might be in doubt, there’s no denying that Patient Number 9 is terrific.

Listen: ‘Nothing Feels Right’
Score: 8/10

Out now via Sony Music.

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