Black Sabbath
Firstly I just want to say - Sabbath are sooo phatt!!!!!!!!!

Most people acknowledge that Sabbath started the metal scene, and they've released many classic tracks over the years, but why? The main reason is the individual talent of each of the band members.

Everyone acknowledges Toni Iommi as a brilliant guitarist, his riffs are simple and catchy, his solos are cheesy but appealing. He also knows, as many metal guitarists often ignore, is that a slight distortion is much more effective than an all out mega-overdrive blast.

Geezer Butler is a fantastic bassist, and I would say better than Iommi is a guitar player. He doesn't overplay and his bluesy style is addictive. He creates a solid foundation for the lead and his bass is always clear in the mix without dominating. On early material in particular he trades melodies with Iommi in a really good competitive style.

Bill Ward really makes Black Sabbath in my opinion. Listen to his jazz influenced drum style and you'll see what I mean. Without Bill, Sabbath would be just like any-other hard rock band.

Ozzy Osbourne, enough said.

I'm going to review each of their early albums so you know which ones to look out for in music shop sales and so on.
Black Sabbath
The first album is the best in my view. Its so bluesy and wonderful. The standout track for me is 'The Wizard' with brilliant, almost d'n'b, drumming from Bill. The musicians work together so well and the sound is so fresh.
Paranoid
Individually each of the tracks are masterpieces, but for me they don't work together in the format of an album. 'Hand of Doom' is the standout track. This album is an essential for any classic-metal fan.
Master of Reality
The blues influence I love so much about the first album has all but disappeared, but actually I like 'Master of Reality' alot. All the tracks work with each other and it's heavy as you like. 'Sweet Leaf' is an anthem.
Volume 4
Its alright, nothing that Sabbath haven't done before. 'Supernaut' is good.
Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
This is my second favourite Sabbath album and its a masterpiece. The production is amazing for the 70s and all the tracks are brilliant. Rick Wakeman really does the business on the old ivories. The song I like the least, the title track, is the one people play the most. 'Looking for Today' is the best of a great bunch.
Sabotage
Its downhill from Sabbath Bloody Sabbath onwards. Sabotage has good tracks but the magic is going fast, on the other hand if you like it heavy then this album competes with Master of Reality for their heavist album. 'Symptom of the Universe' is my tip.
We Sold Our Souls For Rock'n'Roll
This is a kind of greatest hits compilation. The bias is heavily towards the first 2 or 3 albums, no bad thing but there are some criminal omissions.
Technical Ecstasy
Punk had kicked off but Sabbath have totally lost it on drugs, probably. I quite like this album but its not heavy metal. People say its a kind of opera - I wouldn't dispute that.
Never Say Die
Sabbath lose all sense of shame thanks to the sales disaster of Technical Ecstasy. You want cheesy commercial hard rock then buy this. Its catchy and has a certain wide grin appeal. And guess what - I like cheesy wide grin music! Where are the blues influences? Is Geezer now just another rock bassist? Kitsch out with 'Hard Road'.
Heaven and Hell
Ozzy inevitably leaves the band and the lads recruit Ronnie Dio to sing. This is supposed to revitalise Black Sabbath. I must admit I was sceptical - there are a lot of changes to the formula, but its not at all bad. I like 'Neon Lights' the best - full of energy.
Mob Rules
Bill Ward leaves the band so Vinnie Apiece is asked to fill in. As a result the drumming is uninspired and basically crap. Ronnie Dio dominates the lyrics and they're average too. Geezer might as well have left for all he seems to contribute. Iommi lifts this album to above average with some WahWah pedal solos but the Sabbath magic has long long gone.
Live At Last
In order to cash in on the demand for a Black Sabbath live recording, their old record label releases this. The tracks date from the 'Vol 4' (one of my least favourite albums) tour and the recording quality is pretty ropey, but it is good and Ozzy is singing. My favourite track is the rendition of 'Wicked World', which includes 'Supernaut' and 'Into The Void'. Your left feeling what this could have been if the recording quality and track choice was better.
Live Evil
This is an absolute must buy. Fair enough that Ronnie DIo is singing and not Ozzy, but on the otherhand the recording quality is amazing and all the important tracks are there. I'm really into the version of 'NIB'. The value for money is also amazing as it lasts over 80 minutes.
From what I understand the 80s and 90s are basically Toni Iommi and whoever he hires to perform. The albums are just like any other 80s/90s metal band. Fortunately the Sabbath name was kept alive and now the original team is back in place for a forthcoming album. I can't wait!

gwem 2001
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