I think Steinman set out to write an overwrought histrionic Wagner-esque rock opera with 'Bat' and he succeeded totally.
He needed a few from (soon to be) Springsteen's E-Street Band, and a prodigy bass player to underpin the whole thing, Rungren's production and guitar, both peerless,m and then Meatloaf to bring the whole mix to vibrant OTT life.
i think it workd on every level - a near faultless realisation of a concept, and a fine album is the result.
A friend played it to me when it was just out a few days, saying that if i listened to both sides stright through twice (this was in the days of vinyl, we're talking the yellow Epic label here folks!)m I'd buy it, and play it for ever.
She was right, I did listen, I did buy, and have played freuently from then to now.