I dunno, the revived career of Glenn Hughes seems inextricably linked with Hardrockhouse these days. It seems that hardly a month goes by without one of us reviewing some solo album or collaboration, live gig or even an interview with the great man. And rightly so as Hughes is finally getting the recognition that he deserves after dispelling his well publicised demons.  

This is his third collaboration with legendary Sabbath guitarist Toni Iommi (if you count Seventh Star) and I suppose a lot was expected after the surprising quality of last autumn’s ‘DEP Sessions’ release. There’s no doubting there is a certain chemistry between the two but sadly this album left me with mixed feelings. 

It’s as though our Tone (in-between Sabbath tours) cobbled together a few riffs, then shipped them across the Atlantic for Glenn (in-between eighty-seven different solo projects, whilst learning several oriental languages and trekking to the North Pole unaided) somehow found time to put the vocals down. 

Don’t get me wrong. Both Iommi and Hughes are nothing less than consummate professionals throughout, with some classy performances. It’s just that this album lacks the unity of their past efforts and suffers as a consequence. The problem is clearly the age old one with Glenn Hughes in that he always spreads himself thinner than the proverbial low-fat spread.  

But he isn’t the only one to blame. Iommi is fairly bland by his usual high standards and we only get true glimpses of his genius as rock’s greatest riff writer on two or three occasions. As it is the addictive catchiness of ‘Grace’ the sublime ‘What You’re Living For’ and the show stopping brilliance of ‘I Go Insane’ are sad reminders that if they had just taken more time and solely concentrated on this project it could have been one of rock’s truly great albums. 

Fans of both Hughes and Iommi will snap this up without a second thought. However for those of you buying this on the strength of the ‘Dep Sessions’ do try and listen to some of ‘Fused’ before parting with the readies. It lacks the charm and variety of ‘Dep Sessions’ and the bottom line is that it isn’t nearly as good. 

This is not a bad album (the aforementioned tracks make this recommended listening) – it’s just that it could have been so much better as a whole.

Let us know your views on 'Fused'

Track List

Dopamine
Wasted Again
Saviour of the Real
Resolution Song
Grace
Deep Inside A Shell
What You’re Living For
Face Your Fear
The Spell
I Go Insane

Line  Up

Glenn Hughes - Vocals/Bass
Tony Iommi - Guitars
Bob Marlette - Keyboards/Bass   Kenny Aronoff - Drums