Black Sabbath – The Eternal Idol (2025 Remaster) | CD & Vinyl Review
Originally released in November 1987, The Eternal Idol marked the beginning of the Tony Martin era. It’s an album that often gets overlooked, and many of you have asked why it wasn’t included in the Anno Domini box set. A fair question – and now, with this brand new 2025 remaster out on vinyl and CD, we have an answer… and what a revelation it is.
First Impressions: Vinyl & CD Packaging
Let’s start with the vinyl. This is the first time I’ve owned The Eternal Idol on vinyl – I originally had it on cassette, picked up during my days commuting between Birmingham and London. The 2025 edition sticks closely to the original format. The record comes in a standard black paper sleeve (I’ve swapped mine for a poly-lined one), and the lyric sheet is now a separate insert rather than part of the inner sleeve.
The CD version comes in a triple-panel foldout, with the disc on the right and a small booklet containing lyrics. No essay this time, just the credits, noting that this remaster was done by The Bakery and overseen by Ralph and Ben Baker. It’s all clean and simple – but it’s the sound that really matters.
How Does It Sound?
Now to the key question: how does this remaster compare to the 2010 deluxe edition? That version, remastered by Andy Pearce, also included the Ray Gillen sessions. But here’s the truth – this 2025 remaster absolutely blows it away.
It’s not just a volume boost. This is about clarity, presence, and bringing the music alive. The guitars and drums leap out of the speakers. The whole mix sounds more three-dimensional and dynamic. The previous version now feels flat in comparison.
This isn’t a remix – the original feel remains intact – but it’s a huge sonic step up. If you’ve loved this album before, prepare to fall for it all over again.
The Shining – how many of us used to refer to this album by that name? It’s an absolutely killer opener. That picked intro riff, then the monstrous groove… and now with this remaster, the drums are colossal. It sets the tone perfectly.
Ancient Warriors has that slightly Eastern tinge and – dare I say it – a touch of Ritchie Blackmore in Iommi’s solo. Hard Life to Love brings that 80s metal flair, with a bit of a Badlands feel. Then there’s Glory Ride, a massive Sabbath track layered in metal keyboards, angst, and thunderous riffs.
On side two, Born to Lose is short, sharp, and classic Sabbath – and Nightmare begins with haunting keys before morphing into another driving riff-fest. Scarlet Pimpernel is a lovely instrumental moment of calm, while Lost Forever has that signature chug that Tony Iommi does so well. And the title track? The Eternal Idol is an epic closer – moody, atmospheric, and powerful.
The two bonus tracks – Some Kind of Woman and Black Moon – are nice additions, though clearly B-sides. Still, they’re great fun and well worth including.
For those wondering if it’s worth upgrading – yes, absolutely. This is the best Eternal Idol has ever sounded. The 2010 version is now 16 years old, and mastering technology has moved on dramatically. This new version breathes fresh life into an already solid record.
It also answers a nagging collector’s question: where should it live if you’ve already bought the Anno Domini box set? Good news – it fits! Both the CD and vinyl editions sit neatly in the box alongside the other Tony Martin-era releases. You don’t need to find extra storage or reshuffle your shelves. It’s like it was meant to be there all along.
The Eternal Idol might not have been celebrated at the time of release, but it’s a crucial part of the Black Sabbath legacy. Tony Martin’s vocals are phenomenal throughout. Tony Iommi’s guitar work is inspired – riff-laden, bluesy, and emotive – and the production now lets everything shine.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to this era of Sabbath, this is a must-own reissue. Thank you to BMG and Tony Iommi for recognising that every chapter in the Sabbath story matters – and that we, the fans, want it all.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
