In th mid-1980s, Black Sabbath seemed to be suffering from an acute case of lead singer-itis, as Glenn Hughes became yet another (and the second Deep Purple) vocalist to swiftly depart the ranks. Hughes’ health was by this time suffering badly brought on by his years of cocaine addiction which was also having a devastating effect on his vocal performance.
Hughes’ replacement came in the shape of unknown American singer, Ray Gillen who was quickly air lifted in to fulfil the band's live commitments. Such was Gillen’s abilities that he was whisked into the studio to begin recording a new Black Sabbath album already titled, 'The Eternal Idol'. The ensuing gestation of the new album was one mired in problems, however, as not one but three producers passed through the studio, resulting in band personnel changes that saw two bassists', two drummers' and the eventual departure of Ray Gillen who was in turn replaced by yet another unknown in vocalist Tony Martin. Martin’s style was not that dissimilar to Ronnie James Dio and he would re-record all of Gillen’s vocal takes for the final album release.
Issued on 1st November 1987, 'The Eternal Idol' (Black Sabbath’s thirteenth studio album) was an altogether harder sounding record and brought back an ‘edge’ that had been missing from Seventh Star. Whilst there was much for the Sabbath fan to celebrate with tracks such as, "The Shining" (also released as a single), "Ancient Warrior", "Born To Lose’"and the title track, the album wasn’t as well received and settled at number 66 in the UK and a disappointing 168 in the US.
Over the years however, fans of Black Sabbath and hard rock in general have been re-discovering all that 'The Eternal Idol' has to offer and this re-mastered Deluxe Expanded Edition adds two single b-sides from "The Shining": "Black Moon" and "Some Kind Of Woman", whilst the second disc brings to CD for the very first time the complete album session originally recorded by the late Ray Gillen.
Deluxe and Expanded 2CD edition with bonus material
Tracklisting
CD1:
1. The Shining (2009 Remaster)
2. Ancient Warrior (2009 Remaster)
3. Hard Life to Love (2009 Remaster)t
4. Glory Ride (2009 Remaster)
5. Born to Lose (2009 Remaster)
6. Nightmare (2009 Remaster)
7. Scarlet Pimpernel (2009 Remaster)
8. Lost Forever (2009 Remaster)
9. Eternal Idol (2009 Remaster)
10. Black Moon (2010 Remaster)
11. Some Kind of Woman (2010 Remaster)
CD2:
1. Glory Ride (Alternate Studio Recording)
2. Born to Lose (Alternate Studio Recording)
3. Lost Forever (Alternate Studio Recording)
4. Eternal Idol (Alternate Studio Recording)
5. The Shining (Alternate Studio Recording)
6. Hard Life to Love (Alternate Studio Recording)
7. Nightmare (Alternate Studio Recording)
8. Ancient Warrior (Alternate Studio Recording)
