Black Sabbath – Tyr (1990): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in August 1990, Tyr is the fifteenth studio album by Black Sabbath and the second full-length album featuring Tony Martin on vocals. Following the success of Headless Cross, Tyr explores Norse mythology and epic themes, blending classic Sabbath heaviness with melodic and atmospheric compositions.
The album is often described as a darker, more atmospheric evolution of the Tony Martin era, emphasizing storytelling and grandeur over sheer aggression.
Album Overview
Tyr continues the Tony Martin era’s focus on melody and drama, while maintaining Black Sabbath’s signature riff-heavy sound. Tony Iommi delivers riffs that are both epic and ominous, while Cozy Powell’s drumming and Neil Murray’s bass provide a solid, thunderous backbone.
The lyrics, written by Geezer Butler and Martin, center on mythological figures, heroism, and Norse legends, giving the album a thematic cohesion rarely seen in previous late-80s releases.
Tracklist – Black Sabbath: Tyr (1990)
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Anno Mundi (The Vision)
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The Law Maker
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The Sabbath Stones
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Gate of Babylon
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The Edge of Darkness
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Valhalla
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Odin’s Court
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The Battle of Tyr
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Feeding the Flames
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Jerusalem
Album Review
The album opens with “Anno Mundi (The Vision),” an atmospheric instrumental that sets a mystical, mythic tone. “The Law Maker” and “Gate of Babylon” combine heavy riffs with melodic vocals, blending doom and melodic metal seamlessly.
Epic tracks like “Valhalla” and “The Battle of Tyr” showcase Tony Martin’s dramatic vocal range, while “Feeding the Flames” adds dark, aggressive energy. The album closes with “Jerusalem,” an unexpected, melodic track that highlights the band’s versatility and thematic ambition.
Tyr may not have the instant punch of Ozzy or Dio-era albums, but it rewards fans of melodic, thematic metal with rich atmospheres and memorable riffs.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Tyr is heavily inspired by Norse mythology, with several songs named after Norse gods and legendary battles.
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• Trivia: The album was produced by Jeff Glixman, who also produced Headless Cross.
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• Did You Know? Tony Martin’s vocals are among his most theatrical and epic on this record.
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• Fun Fact: Cozy Powell’s drumming adds dramatic power to the mythological themes, making the album sound like a metal saga.
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• Did You Know? The album cover, designed by Greg Hildebrandt, reflects ancient Norse iconography and mystical themes.
Cultural Legacy
Tyr is often seen as the most thematic Tony Martin-era album, bridging heavy metal with epic storytelling. Its influence is felt in power metal and symphonic metal bands, with epic riffs and myth-inspired lyrics becoming a template for later acts.
Today, Tyr is appreciated as a unique, ambitious chapter in Black Sabbath’s history, blending the band’s heavy roots with an epic narrative scope.
Black Sabbath Full Discography
