Singer Tony Martin states it looks like his era of Black Sabbath albums will be re-issued

Singer Tony Martin states it looks like his era of Black Sabbath albums will be re-issued

Great news for diehard Black Sabbath and singer Tony Martin fans as the lead vocalist’s albums with the iconic band will apparently be getting reissued. Martin was in Black Sabbath from 1987 to 1991 and again from 1993 to 1997, and he handled the lead vocals on the studio albums The Eternal Idol (1987), Headless Cross (1989), Tyr (1990), Cross Purposes (1994) and Forbidden (1995).

The following message was posted on Martin‘s Facebook page earlier today:

“So i got a call from Tony Iommi‘s manager … it seems there is now a record deal for my era of Sabbath albums !!!…. so It looks like a re-issue is actually going to happen!!! There could be a LOT of “Tony Martin” around this year! …. Sorry about that!”

Sleaze Roxx stated the following in its review of Forbidden:

“Forbidden is like the red-headed stepchild of Black Sabbath’s discography. You know an album must be bad when the band’s own guitarist puts it down. Tony Iommi calls Forbidden “a total shambles” and said that he was “not happy” with it. Forbidden received an overwhelmingly negative response from fans and critics alike and sold the fewest units of any Black Sabbath album worldwide. Metal Hammer’s recent article, The 10 worst albums by 10 brilliant bands, places Forbidden high on the list by calling out its many flaws. 

Released on June 20, 1995, Forbidden is the eighteenth studio album by iconic British heavy metal progenitors Black Sabbath, consisting of only original member in Iommi. Forbidden was a rushed affair recorded in only ten days, likely to fulfill the band’s contract with I.R.S. and was recorded with the same line-up as previous album, 1990’s Tyr, featuring Iommi, singer Tony Martin, bassist Neil Murray, keyboardist Geoff Nicholls and drummer Cozy Powell. However, two new faces in the Sabbath camp proved to be a head-scratcher. We all know that Ice-T is a badass, as most metalheads and rockers equally respect and revere what he has done for the music scene in general. However, to have him “guest rap” on opening track “The Illusion of Power” was highly peculiar. Plus, getting fellow Body Count band member Ernie C to produce Forbidden was a mismatch made from hell, achieving a very thin and tinny sound, while often burying some instruments in the mix and muddying up some parts throughout.”

Black Sabbath performing live in Gzira Malta on August 25, 1995 (on Forbidden Tour):