BLACK SABBATH

"The End" (Black Sabbath.; 2017)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

I know this is a little confusing, but please bear with me. The live 2CD set I'm reviewing here is "The End" (the same title as the studio CD reviewed directly below) but it's not the same release. This "The End" is a 17-track recording taken from Black Sabbath's last show ever, on February 4th, 2017. It was recorded in Birmingham, England and -- if the band is to be believed -- this evening marked the last time ever that the original Black Sabbath would play together.

A couple of things to consider before we go any further: 1) This isn't really the complete original Black Sabbath. Bill Ward is nowhere to be found (Tommy Clufetos fills in on drums here). 2) There is no music from and no references to the Ronnie James Dio era of the band which, it could be argued, are some of the greatest moments of Black Sabbath history. In fact, there is no music or references from any version of Black Sabbath without Ozzy Osbourne. 3) There are several packages from which to choose from for this release: various combinations of DVD/Blu-Ray/CD. The double CD version is what we're talking about here.

Okay. Now that we got that out of the way, let's talk about content. As I said above, "The End" (2017) is a live recording of the band's final performance in Birmingham, England on 02/04/17 (or, as they say in England, 04/02/17). It's loaded with legendary Black Sabbath tunes that are nothing short of classics now. "War Pigs," "Fairies Wear Boots," "Supernaut," "Iron Man," "Children of the Grave" and more. There's really no way to argue with the tracks chosen here; they're all legendary for a reason. And with two discs and seventeen tracks, there's plenty here to like.

While "The End" isn't Black Sabbath's best performance ever (in fact, most of these songs sounded better on Ozzy's 1982 solo album, "Speak of the Devil") it is a true artifact of one of the greatest hard rock/heavy metal bands of all time. Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler have been playing these same songs for decades and decades now and, while they sound a little weary at times, it's impossible not to get caught up in these timeless classics. The songs hereon are so well-known and so well-loved that, on several of them, Ozzy just lets the audience sing for him. Listening to this CD kind of transports you to that night, with the sometimes rough performance, the audience interaction and the loud, live sound. It's easy to let yourself be overcome by the emotion of this final show.

I'm sure that's part of the magic here as well. This was to be Ozzy, Tony and Geezer's last performance together ever. Emotions were surely running high. As I said earlier, "The End" may not be the greatest live Black Sabbath album ever, but you can almost feel the camaraderie of the band on stage as their fans cheer wildly and sing their favorite verses.

Any Black Sabbath fan will want to add "The End" to their collection. It's the final volume in a truly legendary band's legacy. I only wish Bill Ward were there to celebrate along with them.

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com.

"The End" (Black Sabbath.; 2016)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

"The End" is an eight track CD that was reportedly only available on East European tour dates in 2016. Of course, you can find it on Amazon (by clicking the link above) or I'm sure that there will be available copies on eBay.

Sharon Osbourne has been quoted as saying, "There's only on Black Sabbath," but we all know she's wrong. There's the original Black Sabbath, of course, but there's also the line-up featuring the legendary Ronnie James Dio on vocals and that produced two of the band's best albums, "Heaven and Hell" and "The Mob Rules." Ignoring all the other incrancations (featuring vocalists like Tony Martin and Ian Gillan) there's finally the tour version of Black Sabbath with Bill Ward sitting it out and Tommy Clufetos sitting in.

And that's the line-up we're talking about on "The End," a collection of four studio recordings and four live recordings. I first listened to this CD on my way to Las Vegas with my son (Spudbeast, a reviewer here on RoughEdge.com). As we listened to the first four studio recordings, I commented that this album was way too slow and too plodding for me. He shot back, "Black Sabbath is supposed to be slow!" and he was right. Some of the band's best songs ever, "War Pigs," for example, are slow and atmospheric. What they aren't, however, is boring, and that's what the first four tracks on this CD were to me.

As for the four live tracks on "The End," I like them better. They seem to be culled directly from the source, with minimal (if any) post-recording tomfoolery. They are as raw and as pure as it gets, almost to a bootleg level, and that makes them edgier and more honest than most so-called "live" performances. They are presented here warts and all ... and there's a lot of warts.

Bottom line is that this rare CD is interesting in the fact that it will probably be Black Sabbath's last studio recordings but there's a lot of much better Black Sabbath material out there.

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com.

"13" (Warner Bros.; 2013)

Reviewed by Snidermann

I found Black Sabbath's "13" to be slow, dark, cavernous, plodding, overblown ... and I frickin' loved it.

Everything from the slow deliverance of the music to the very cool production value (that was an easy plug, with Rick Rubin as Producer) and ending with the three major members (sorry no Bill Ward on drums) showcasing their talents better than they have done since in ages.

The entire musical presentation is one of slowly envisioned power music, done with the talents and egos of one of the world’s top metal acts. Rick Rubin makes everyone in the band look, sound, play and record better than they have in years. This very well could be one of the best overall recordings for 2013 and I can’t wait to spin this f'er again.

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com.

"13" (Warner Bros.; 2013)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

I was excited as the next guy as I waited for Black Sabbath's "13" to be released. I was ready for the masters of heavy metal to bring down the house one more time.

Sadly, I was a bit disappointed.

The first time I listened all the way through "13," I wasn't sure what I didn't like about it. Tony Iommi's guitar work is nothing short of stunning here, delivering razor-edged solos and chunky riffs that rattle the walls. Ozzy Osbourne sounded great, too and, of course, Geezer Butler delivered some thunderous bass work. Even the drums, pounded by Rage Against the Machine's Brad Wilk, deliver a shattering backbeat.

But as I listened a second time, and then a third, the realization came to me: Much of "13" sounds the same. The rhythms are often too identical, the choruses and hooks uninteresting. And I realize that, a lot of the time, Ozzy sounds more like he's delivering spoken word rather than actually singing.

Ozzy had promised us a "masterpiece" of a Black Sabbath album with "13"and, when I heard him say that, I thought of "Master of Reality" or "Paranoid" or even "The Mob Rules" and "Heaven and Hell." Those albums had variety ... and a little bit of menace ... something that I found lacking in "13."

It's not that I hate the CD and won't ever listen to it again. I've probably gone through it a dozen times or more by now. As I said, Iommi's fretwork is jaw-droppingly awesome here, as is the solid clear production of Rick Rubin. But I wanted "13" to be more, to be bigger and better. Maybe I just came to expect too much when Ozzy said, "It's a masterpiece." It's an entertaining album, Ozzy, I'll give you that. But a masterpiece? No, sir. I don't think so.

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com.

"The Dio Years" (Rhino; 2007)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Sharon Osbourne has been quoted as saying that there's only one Black Sabbath, and that's the Black Sabbath with Ozzy Osbourne. Well, let me set you straight, Mrs. Osbourne: there is definitely a Black Sabbath without Ozzy, too, and that band was fronted by Ronnie James Dio.

When Dio and the others in Black Sabbath decided to go on tour again, Sharon insisted they not call themselves Black Sabbath, so the band went on tour as "Heaven and Hell." Still, any metalhead worth their salt knew who was on stage. 

During the years when Dio was at the Sabbath mic, the music was as dark and demonic as ever. Now, with "The Dio Years," every Sabbath fan can enjoy a load of material of Sabbath's best material with Dio. "The Dio Years" showcases the band's material from the classic albums "Mob Rules," "Heaven and Hell," "Live Evil" and "Dehumanizer." As I listened, I was awestruck at the sheer excellence of the recordings here; sometimes you really forget how truly great some music is until a set like this is released. 

"The Dio Years" is an outstanding compilation that shows just how really great Black Sabbath is with Dio on vocals. Also included with all the classic tracks are three new recordings (there were reportedly only contracted for two but had so much fun in the studio they opted for three instead). 

In response to Sharon Osbourne's suggestion that there is only one Black Sabbath, I have only this to say after listening to "The Dio Years": Ozzy who?

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com.

"Live at Hammersmith Odeon" (Rhino Handmade; 2007)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Sharon Osbourne has been quoted as saying there is only one Black Sabbath, and that's the band with Ozzy Osbourne on lead vocals. Sharon must have forgotten that Black Sabbath also had a pretty sturdy run with Ronnie James Dio on vocals, a run that was strong enough to produce a couple of solid albums (including some of the best hard rock / heavy metal tunes of their era), a number of sold-out tours and enough interest in the Dio-led band (under the moniker Heaven & Hell) to generate a successful tour in 2007.

"Live at Hammersmith Odeon" is a limited edition (only 5,000 copies), previously "unissued" release of a Black Sabbath show from January 1982 at the legendary Hammersmith Odeon in the U.K. It's a great collection of 13 classic Sabbath tunes, ranging from the Ozzy years ("War Pigs," "Black Sabbath," "Iron Man") to the Dio years ("Children of the Sea," "The Mob Rules," "Heaven and Hell") and, for the most part, they performed with charisma and high energy.  Dio pulls off some of the trickier Ozzy classics with great success, even though his style is considerably more stoic than Ozzy's manic antics.

The sound quality throughout is excellent, especially considering the source material's age.

Only one Black Sabbath, Sharon? No, there are at least two, as this CD proves. In fact, considering Black Sabbath's long and glorious career, there are probably more than two. But that's another story entirely.

Black Sabbath - Ronnie James Dio - vocals; Tony Iommi - Lead guitar; Geezer Butler - bass; Vinnie Appice - drums.

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com.

"Symptom of the Universe 1970-1978" (Warner / Rhino; 2002)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Black Sabbath fans should run (or click over) to their favorite record store right now and snag a copy of this incredible two-CD set. Featuring 29 tracks (all crisply remastered), a full-color, 50-page booklet, and packaging that is nothing short of breathtaking, "Symptom of the Universe" is an unmatched collection of Ozzy-era Sabbath tunes, running from the band's first, self-titled album to Ozzy's last full-length studio album with the band, "Never Say Die." If you forgot how great Black Sabbath can be or if you can't understand why they garner all that respect and why so many bands cite them as an influence, this fantastic collection will either remind or educate you.

Beginning with the band's title song, "Black Sabbath," Disc 1 of "Symptom of the Universe" takes you through the "Master of Reality" era (with the exception of "After Forever," which begins Disc 2). Of the 13 tracks on Disc 1, nine are certifiable classics and one, "Evil Woman," is previously unreleased in the United States (unless you picked up those bargain basement imports of the band's first album when they hit bargain bins a number of years ago). Disc 1 is stunning in its sheer number of truly legendary cuts, from "Paranoid" to "Iron Man" to "Sweet Leaf" and so on.

Disc 2 features somewhat more obscure Sabbath work, although there are classics there as well, including "Changes," "Supernaut," "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath," "Symptom of the Universe" and more. Disc 2 is as interesting for its collection of later Ozzy-era Sabbath tunes as it is to note the band's evolution. That raw, darkly powerful Sabbath sound is still there but there's something more as well - discontent, maybe. Frustration, perhaps. Or maybe it's just the effort to expand the Black Sabbath sound more. Regardless, Disc 2 may not have as many classics as Disc 1, but it still incredibly powerful.

Each of the above CDs is packaged in a unique digi-pack that, along with the 50-page booklet, fit nicely into a faux-leather (read "cardboard") slipcase.

The 50-page booklet features rare photos of the band and a surprisingly insightful and complete bio of the band by Mick Wall. Also included are quotes from Ozzy and the others, as well as a breakdown of the tracks included on the CD and their credits. 

This is a CD collection that belongs in every hard rock / heavy metal fan's collection. It's a little bit of history, and - even all these years later - it'll still kick your ass.

Black Sabbath - Ozzy Osbourne - vocals, harmonica on "The Wizard"; Tony Iommi - guitars, piano and harpsichord on "Fluff"; Tony "Geezer" Butler - bass; Bill Ward - drums, percussion.

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com. 

"Past Lives" (Sanctuary; 2002)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

I’m not a fan of “live” albums unless I was at the concert and I was captured screaming so it becomes a memento for me. Plus, hearing live CDs of bands I never got to see myself (like this one, since I was two years old when this stuff was recorded) doesn’t help either. Still, all complaints aside, this is Black Sabbath recorded in 1970, 1973 and 1975. It was originally going to be called “Live In '75” but the name was changed to “Past Lives.”

As I listened to these guys hammer out song after song it occurred to me that, not only were they pioneers of heavy metal, they’ve ultimately become the grandfathers of it as well. Ozzy sounds good on all tracks except “Megalomania” from Disc 2. There he’s off key, but his voice is really expanded on the other 17 tracks beyond the studio versions I’ve heard and become used to. He’s sounds like he's stoned and doesn’t care and he still sings as loud as he can and really puts on a show on for the fans.

Tony Iommi really lets the riffs and solos out and they sound great since these discs have been cleaned up from the previous release back in 1980. Tony shines on each track and plays his heart out. You can hear the goof ups, wrong notes and missed timing, plus the awkward endings, but who cares as long as Iommi was playing? “Wicked World” on Disc 1 clocks in at 18:55(!), half of which is Tony laying down some nasty blues guitar.

If you don’t have any live CD’s of Sabbath in their early years then pick up this muddy mess of genius. All their hits are here, just in vintage clothes and sound. And check out the booklet that comes with this double set; Black Sabbath looked like a bunch of skinny teens with nothing but dreams to feed them.

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com. 

"Reunion" (Epic; 1998)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

How could this CD be anything short of great? The original Sabbath, together again onstage and in the studio. Does it get any better than this for the hard rock/heavy metal fan? I don't think so...

"Reunion" starts out great with a terrific rendition of Sabbath's classic "War Pigs." Ozzy sings a line, then the audience sings a line. It's more of a duet than a band performing for an audience. And it sets the tone for the entire two CD set: Sabbath live combined with an almost equally important audience reaction.

The classics are here: "War Pigs," "Fairies Wear Boots," "Snowblind," "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath," "Black Sabbath," "Children of the Grave," "Paranoid," "Iron Man." There are some rarities, too: "Behind the Wall of Sleep," "Spiral Architect," "Dirty Women." The icing on the cake, however, is two brand new studio recordings featuring the original line-up: "Psycho Man" and "Selling My Soul": Both tunes that revel in the classic Black Sabbath sound but are tweaked for today's higher technical capabilities (both of the equipment and of the band's talents).

Also included is a 28-page, four color booklet with extensive liner notes and backstage photos. Our favorite was a shot of Ozzy's teleprompter.

"Reunion" is a killer, double live CD set. Hopefully, the folks over at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will give it a listen before they set about voting later this month.

BLACK SABBATH is Ozzy Osbourne, vocals; Tony Iommi, guitars; Geezer Butler, bass; Bill Ward, drums.

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com. 

"Forbidden" (Reprise; 1995)

Reviewed by Snidermann

I would hazard to guess that, by the 1990s Tony Iommi just wanted to record some fucking music and the record companies said, "Sure. Record some Black Sabbath music and we will." So he said fuck it, and did. A new line-up was formed, they called it Black Sabbath, and as long as it sells, who cares? "Forbidden" was released in 1995 with Neil Murray and Cozy Powell as well as Tony Martin on vocals. This would be the last release with this line-up.

Well, this is where I stand: any release with Tony Iommi on guitar is well worth the effort to listen to. I really like this record. It's hard, heavy and full of dark images, just like a Black Sabbath release should be.

Editor R. Scott and I saw Black Sabbath with Tony Martin on vocals back in the day and, frankly, it was fucking awesome. This release has it all; everything that not only Tony Iommi has to offer but Neil Murray, Cozy Powell and Tony Martin had to offer at the time and that, in my opinion, makes one killer fucking metal release.

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com. 

"Dehumanizer" (Reprise; 1992)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Black Sabbath’s 1992 release, "Dehumanizer," with Ronnie James Dio on vocals is, in one word: incredible.  Tony Iommi's legendary guitar riffs thunder throughout this release.  Ronnie James’s voice is strong and commanding; pure, vintage Dio.  Geezer Butler’s signature bass licks rip through this CD like a fucking freight train.  Original Sabbath drummer Bill Ward is absent in this release, however Vinny Appice provides a good drum background to round out this very talented group of players.  

Reprise Sabbath and this lineup immediately following the release of "Dehumanizer." Bastards! What do they know!?  The music is apocalyptic, dark, foreboding, twisted and ominous - in other words, exquisite fun!!  

Fans of either Black Sabbath or Ronnie James Dio’s solo work will totally love this CD. The cover art is awesome as well with a demon robot turning a human into a robot. Looks pretty painful!

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com. 

"TYR" (IRS; 1990)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Sharon Osbourne has been reported to have said that the only Black Sabbath is Black Sabbath with Ozzy Osbourne. I guess I would say that, too, if he were my meal ticket. Actually, Sharon, my dear, there is no Black Sabbath without Tony Iommi, Just ask Ronnie James Dio, Tony Martin, Ian Gillan and Glenn Hughes.

This recording is "TYR" (from Norse mythology, thank you Wikipedia). People wanted to call it a concept recording but is it in fact songs that seem related but are not. Black Sabbath in this lineup up consists of Tony Iommi, Cozy Powell on drums, Tony Martin on vocals, Neil Murray on bass and Geoff Nicholls on Keys. Cozy Powell's influence is felt throughout this recording and I had to spin this bitch a few times before I actually found it.

Great recording, from start to finish, full of strange songs with even stranger titles. One thing about a Tony Iommi recording, he does not always have to be in the foreground to make it interesting. He has the talent to bring others in his band to the forefront, let them shine, and in doing so make the recording better. Not too many guitarists have that ability or gumption—Some that come to mind include Mick Jones (Foreigner), Neil Schon (Journey and Carlos Santana) and Sir Brian May (Queen, of course, and also CBE (look it up) and a PHD Astrophysicist!). On a side note I found that that Brian May and Tony Iommi are good friends and have been since the early 70s.

"TYR" is, of course dark, but not as dark as Sabbath's recent stuff. It does have to have a sinister feel or it would not be a Black Sabbath release.

I have listened to this recording time and time again and each and every time I find something else cool. Simply an great fucking recording right out of my past.

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com. 

"Eternal Idol" (Warner Bros; 1987)

Reviewed by Snidermann

I can't remember what year it was. I would hazard to guess maybe about 1995. R. Scott and I were going to The Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles to see Motörhead and Black Sabbath (with Tony Martin on vocals). Nice place to see a show; approximately 6,000 seats (now, it's the Harry Potter exhibit at Universal Studios, what a waste!). Anyway, adult beverages and maybe a bit of (then illegal) leafy green substance were being enjoyed by most audience members. The show is about to start and this announcement comes over the PA: "Lemmy is sick and Motörhead has to cancel. Refunds are available at the door." Fuck! People were flocking to the door for refunds (and then going back into the show to see Black Sabbath, just like Scott's brother-in-law). But Scott and I had comped tickets, so no refund. Well, shit, now what do we do? We do what any self-respecting heavy metal fans does—go to the bar and continue to drink, and I mean heavily! Say this next sentence in a Yoda voice from Star Wars "fucked up we got that night, yes." Since Motörhead did not play, Black Sabbath made up the difference by playing an extra long set. How we got home is still a hazy, fogged memory. The next morning, I looked at my wallet and all my cash was gone. I had like $60.00 in there at the start of the night (that was a lot back then) and who knows how much was put on credit cards, too! Another notable thing happened that night. I was behind this dude, six feet, four inches, as opposed to my five nine. I tap him on the shoulder and ask him to change places with me. He was so cool, he did. I have been waiting to tell that story for thirty years.

Now, finally, on to the recording. "The Eternal Idol" came out in 1987 and the only thing that this release has in common to the Black Sabbath of 1968 is Tony Iommi. A notable player on this recording is drummer Eric Singer, later to be in Kiss (as well as playing with Alice Cooper , Lita Ford, Brian May and others). Other than the guitar work and the actual vocals, this recording is just an average rock release. There are some noticeable exceptions and they are "Born To Lose" and "The Shining." It's a good release, don't get me wrong, but what it ain't is a Black Sabbath of the late 60s. Still, anytime you get to hear Tony Iommi play his instrument of choice is a good thing.

This was a fun ride down memory lane and I got to enjoy a good, if not great, album with the great Tony Iommi on guitar.

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com. 

"Born Again" (Vertigo; 1983)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

"Born again" was a strange yet bold experiment. The mixing of Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan with Tony Iommi's trademark chunky-razor guitars was met with more than a few raised eyebrows, as well as an enormous fan base that refused to let Black Sabbath die (no matter who was behind the microphone).

On a "History of Black Sabbath" video that was released a few years before Ozzy returned to the fold, Iommi and Gillan joke about "Born Again" and how unsuccessful the album was. Despite its lack of commercial success, however, "Born Again" is actually a very unique piece of Black Sabbath history, and a heavy metal album that shouldn't be so quickly dismissed.

Beginning with "Trashed," a rager of a song that highlights Gillan's screams and Iommi's stunning lead work, "Born Again" delivers seven full-length tunes (and two less-than-two-minute tracks) that rock as hard as anything Sabbath has ever recorded. The classics "Disturbing the Priest" and "Zero The Hero" are highlights here (both clocking in at over five minutes each - "Hero" closer to eight). "Digital Bitch" has a chorus that's virtually unforgettable (I've been singing it in my head since I first heard this record) and the title track is an eerie tune in which Gillan's trademark screams give proof to his vocal excellence. The same is true of "Hot Line."

Speaking of "Hot Line" - Is it just me or does the riff from that song sound a lot like "Man on the Silver Mountain?"

It's true that "Born Again" sounds different from any other Sabbath album, but the reasons for that are clear. Gillan has one of the most unique (and very best) voices in rock and his impressive songwriting skills, when combined with Iommi and company's, made for one interesting rock'n'roll beastie. "Born Again" may not be the best Black Sabbath ever, but it is definitely a most original metal album. Fans of Deep Purple and Black Sabbath both should have a copy in their collection and should spin it often.

Performing on "Born Again" are: Tony Iommi - guitars, guitar effects, flute; Ian Gillan - vocals; Geezer Butler - bass, bass effects; Bill Ward - Drums, percussion; Geoff Nicholls - keyboards.

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com. 

"The Mob Rules" (Warner Bros.; 1981)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Black Sabbath are the crowned kings of heavy metal music but that statement is not the issue here. As I see it, as long as Tony Iommi is on guitar, it should be considered Black Sabbath. We all know Ozzy Osbourne was on vocals for the first five recordings and a long list of people have played in the band over the years (just check out Wikipedia for their storied band members) but, contrary to whatever Sharon Osbourne might say, Black Sabbath is a state of mind as well as a way of life, not just who is on lead vocals.

Ronnie James Dio brought Sabbath a much wider range of emotions vocally in a way Ozzy never could. "The Mob Rules," released in 1981, is pure heavy metal. Dio’s strong and very recognizable vocal style and Tony Iommi’s signature power guitar made this Sabbath larger and with noticeably more attitude. By this time each member of the band has a few years under their belt and we know what to expect music wise. They had all matured into very good musicians, but with the making of "Mob Rules" all the visions of the gods where shining down on them.

"The Mob Rules" is simply one of the best metal recordings of all time. It's simply not fair to compare this album to any other piece of metal music.

Black Sabbath (despite what Sharon says): Ronnie James Dio – vocals; Tony Iommi – guitar; Geezer Butler – bass; Bill Ward – drums.

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com. 

"Heaven and Hell" (Warner Bros.; 1980)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

Those who salivated for another hit record from Black Sabbath almost had cotton mouth due to the exit of front man Ozzy Osborne. Osbourne's departure seemed to doom the band them into non-existence. Enter Ronnie James Dio and his powerful voice and new life was breathed into the legendary British heavy metal band. I had never heard Dio sing until Black Sabbath, but I was interested in their new style because he brought something fresh to the table.

Dio has a menacing voice and even though I wasn’t around for the recording sessions I can just picture him with his devil-horned fingers and his heavy metal scowl filling the studio. The lead singer usually commands attention because they lead the band and Dio did just that thanks to his experience fronting Elf and Rainbow before. 

Black Sabbath turned in a new direction by picking Dio to front them. The vocals, of course, have been mentioned and celebrated here and many, many other places. Tony Iommi's guitar, shot from the gates with the opener “Neon Knights” was stunning throughout and his work on the title track is some of the most memorable ever. Albeit first chair had gone to Dio, the rest of the band remained tight; Bill Ward and Geezer Butler kept the band's steady pace. The music is fresh yet still classic and Black Sabbath once again gained four guitarsaws by bringing in Ronnie James Dio to scream his brand of power metal right in our faces.

The blackest tracks are “Neon Knights,” “Lady Evil,” “Heaven And Hell” and “Die Young.”

Black Sabbath (despite what Sharon says): Ronnie James Dio – vocals; Tony Iommi – guitar; Geezer Butler – bass; Bill Ward – drums.

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com. 

"Never Say Die!" (Warner Off Roster.; 1978)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Black Sabbath's 1978 release "Never Say Die!" was the last release with Ozzy Osbourne on vocals until 2013's "13." Shortly after this release, Ozzy would release "Blizzard of Oz" with the late, great Randy Rhoads and Black Sabbath would release "Heaven and Hell" with Ronnie James Dio on vocals. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Is "Never Say Die!" the best Black Sabbath with Ozzy on vocals? The answer is no, but what it is is a time capsule on what was going on in the world in 1978. Having lived through those years, I have say it was fun time to be alive. I was a youngster at the time, but it was still fun to be fifteen years old, back in the days before the Internet ... use your imagination, people, and it probably happened.

I like this recording and anything with Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler, and with Ozzy on vocals. It well worth the listen. I can only imagine the writing was on the wall for the breakup of the original lineup of Black Sabbath when this was recorded. It was reported that, In 1978, Ozzy’s cocaine use was at its zenith ... Google that shit and you'll get an idea of just what was going on.

In 1979, the band had had enough and fired their lead singer, Ozzy Osbourne. I can only imagine how hard that decision was and how the hell the band expected they could rebound from losing one of the top front men in music history.

Anyway, back to "Never Say Die!" To say that name now, you realize it was a premonition of future events. However, this recording still stands the test of time. It is tight, hard and simply a great recording. It is a divergence from the heavy and hard stuff from earlier releases, but it's still Black Sabbath, pure and simple.

"Never Say Die!" closed the door on one aspect of the band and opened the door to another. Any hardcore Sabbath fan needs to check out this recording. You will notice some of the magic of the earlier stuff and it is a prelude to the music that is yet to come.

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com. 

"Sabotage" (WEA; 1975)

Reviewed by Snidermann

The year was 1980, I was seventeen. My hair was down to my ass and we were in my best friend's basement, smoking pot and listening to Black Sabbath's "Sabotage."

Well, times have changed: my hair is gone and I no longer smoke pot. But my love for Black Sabbath's music is still as strong today as it was back then. Dark, twisted and even a little bit disturbing - that's what Black Sabbath is all about - and this 1975 release of "Sabotage" is simply fucking dripping with everything you'd expect from this deservedly legendary band.

"Sabotage" I may not have hooked me like the previous releases did, but the magic and musical charisma of the original members of Black Sabbath still shrines through on this totally awesome release. "Sabotage" is as strong and powerful today as it was in 1975 and, if I remember correctly, this shit sounded incredible when you were stoned. 

Metal magic - pure and simple. 

Black Sabbath: Ozzy Osbourne - vocals; Tony Iommi - guitar; Bill Ward - drums; Geezer Butler - bass.

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com. 

"Master of Reality" (WEA; 1971)

Reviewed by Snidermann

To quote the indomitable Ozzy Osbourne from Black Sabbath's "Reunion" CD and the song "Sweet Leaf": "We all know what this one is the fuck about." It was true when this album was first released in 1971 and it's true today. 

The track listing from this third release by the now-legendary Black Sabbath reads like a 'Best of" CD. Those tracks are:

Sweet Leaf
After Forever
Embryo 
Children Of The Grave
Orchid
Lord Of This World
Solitude
Into The Void

What makes Black Sabbath different than other bands is that their older music sounds as heavy today as it did when it was released over 30 years ago(!). The lyrics are deep and philosophical, giving the overall album so much power. 

To those of you who have forgotten about this absolutely incredible release - and for those of you who have never taken the time to listen to it - I suggest you dust off your 8-track, vinyl records, cassette tape or CD and give this extremely cool album some more airplay. Tune after twisted tune, "Master Of Reality" stands strong as a legacy to the brilliance of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward. Black Sabbath will always be a part of heavy metal fans worldwide, this fan included. Long live Black Sabbath!

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com. 

"Paranoid" (Epic; 1970)

Reviewed by Snidermann

It may be considered hindsight now, but after the initial release of Black Sabbath's debut CD, the question had to be: "How in the hell can they top their debut release?" But when Black Sabbath released "Paranoid" in 1970,  the answer was right there.

"Paranoid" is really just a continuation of the musical excellence that music fans saw in the first Black Sabbath release. "Paranoid" is full of the political commentary of the day - witness the first track, the classic "War Pigs," a story about governments starting wars but sending the common man to fight them. The title cut is a power tune unlike anything heard before and has since become Ozzy's trademark. 

Like the previous release, "Paranoid" is Geezer's strong bass, Bill's blistering drums, Tony's cutting, authoritative lead riffs and, of course, Ozzy, belting out tune after tune. This music inspires greatness; it makes you believe that anything is possible. Even if you're just a poor kid from Birmingham, England, you can achieve the pinnacle of rock'n'roll greatness and inspire generations that follow. Bravo! The common man can win!

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com. 

"Black Sabbath" (Epic; 1970)

Reviewed by Snidermann

From the very beginning chords of Black Sabbath's classic debut release you know something special was going to happen, even the first time you heard it all those years ago. Now, after numerous years and dozens, if not hundreds, of spins of this recording, I am never and I mean never disappointed. 

The majestic power and grandeur just about explodes from every cut. The musicianship is just about perfect with all four members doing what they do best: play good fucking metal. And this was recorded way back when metal was in its infancy!

"The Wizard" paints an eerie and enchanting spell that is on par with anything J.R.R. Tolkein did in his "Lord Of The Rings" trilogy. Each and every song is a masterpiece unto itself and, like good wine, only gets better with age. 

With this, their very first release, Black Sabbath set the standard for all metal bands to come and they continue to influence the best of metal today. "Black Sabbath" is not only one of the very best debuts of all time, it's in my top 1% of the best rock releases ever! 

Black Sabbath: Tony Iommi - guitar; Geezer Butler - bass; Bill Ward - drums; Ozzy Osbourne - vocals.

For more information, check out http://www.blacksabbath.com. 

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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