The Devil You Know
by Heaven & Hell
  • Record Label: Rhino
  • Release Date: Apr 28, 2009
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. AllMusic
    80
    While the Osbourne-fronted and Dio-fronted versions of Black Sabbath are, again, very different bands, this is an album that matches its moment every bit as perfectly as "Paranoid" did back in 1970.
  2. Sputnikmusic
    80
    Shockingly good but reassuringly gimmick-free, The Devil You Know is not only the best Dio or Sabbath release in over a decade but a front-runner for heavy metal album of the year.
  3. Billboard
    80
    With Tony Iommi on guitar, Geezer Butler on bass and Vinny Appice on drums, the lyrically macabre and demonically alluring music sounds more like a band backing Ronnie James Dio than it does an act trying to distinguish itself as an entity apart from Sabbath's and Dio's solo endeavors. Yet The Devil You Know has a great sound in its own right.
  5. Boston Globe
    80
    Proving itself to be more than a reunion cash-in, Heaven & Hell--the re-brand for Black Sabbath with Ronnie James Dio on vocals--has a batch of new material that is every bit as menacingly delightful as 2007's concert tour that revived the lineup after 15 years.
  6. Hartford Courant
    80
    Sure enough, we know these devils: they're the ones who make so many latter-day metal bands look like hopeless poseurs.
  7. Mojo
    80
    Whatever they're called, Sabbath still rule. [Jun 2009, p.99]
    All this publication's reviews

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 29
  3. Negative: 1 out of 29
  1. NovemberH
    Aug 4, 2009
    10
    Ugh. People need to realize that bands constantly evolve. Just because it doesn't sound like the Black Sabbath you know doesn't Ugh. People need to realize that bands constantly evolve. Just because it doesn't sound like the Black Sabbath you know doesn't mean it isn't good. The Devil You Know is excellent. Ronnie James Dio's heaven (and hell)-sent vocals blend together with heavy, face-melting riffs for a new generation, proving to the masses that METAL ISN'T DEAD!… Full Review »
  2. Leon
    Oct 4, 2009
    10
    Masterpiece!
  3. EvilJohnM
    Jul 14, 2009
    7
    I have always been a fan of this line up, accept for vinnie - man, this guy is to boring. The other guys are there as always. But this album I have always been a fan of this line up, accept for vinnie - man, this guy is to boring. The other guys are there as always. But this album would have been much better if i was not bored of the no fils drumming. Even though i really like this album and have flogged it through my stereo until my wife screamed - NO MORE! i still cannot stand the bloody drummer. This guy should listen to Shaun Rienheart a little bit, just a little bit.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »