This album requires some back story to explain why the collaboration between Tony Iommi and Glenn Hughes is finally being released after 8 years.

Iommi and Hughes went into the DEP studios in Birmingham to work together for the first time since the Black Sabbath release Seventh Star.  The combination was able to record eight tracks before Iommi was called back to a reformed and touring original Black Sabbath.

The tracks recorded at DEP were put away but a bootlegged version titled Eighth Star hit the record collections of hardcore fans.

Earlier this year Iommi and Hughes were able to revisit those songs, do some alterations and give the album an official release with the 8 track The 1996 DEP Sessions.

Tony Iommi casts a vast shadow.  He has arguably done more for heavy metal than any other guitarist, I stress the word arguably, and he has written some of the most recognizable riffs in rock and roll.  Glenn Hughes also has quite a few accomplishments, notably his time singing and playing bass in Deep Purple.

Many artists are never able to pass or even match their past accomplishments.  While the DEP Sessions are not as revolutionary as these guys past work, it is definitely an interesting and rocking album.  Iommi has branched out in his guitar work, including some rarely recorded acoustic tracks.  Don’t let that fool you though, he can still write a fist pumping riff.

Hughes voice serves this music well, it is sturdy and distinct.  Iommi has always had interesting vocalists to work with, and Glenn is no exception.

The songs are written well.  They are simply fine compositions.  Strong songs are something that you should come to expect from two men who have been writing music for about 40 years. 

Fans of Eighth Star should enjoy the improvements and slight tweaks of the official release and fans new to the combination will be pleasantly surprised by this golden nugget that almost never was.

• Visit the Official website.
• Listen to samples and Purchase this CD online

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