Black Sabbath Review · 3:05am Oct 15th, 2022
Perfect cover for spooky season
Date Of Release: February 13, 1970
Black Sabbath was an English heavy metal band that formed in Birmingham, England, in 1968. The band's members consist of: (1968 - 1978 Lineup)
- Ozzy Osbourne (Vocals)
- Tony Iommi (Guitarist)
- Geezer Butler (Bassist)
- Bill Ward (Drums)
Honestly, what needs to be said? Black Sabbath are the godfathers of metal! They're responsible for creating one of the best music genres ever and inspiring countless number of bands. They, along with other bands like Led Zeppelin revolutionized what music was capable of in the late 60's and early 70's. They helped define the new genre with classics such as: Paranoid (1970), Masters Of Reality (1971), Vol. 4 (1972), and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973). Throughout the years, Tony Iommi has remained to be the only consistent member of the band. All the way until their breakup in 2017.
Other careers have also been born off of Black Sabbath. After Ozzy Osbourne was fired from the band in 1979, it lead to his glorious solo career in the 80's. Even Ronnie James Dio, the vocalist who would replace Ozzy had an amazing solo career in the 80's after he left the band.
After previous iterations of the group, the band settled on the name Black Sabbath in 1969. They distinguished themselves amongst other bands through the occult, horror inspired lyrics, and downtuned guitars (which is a must now in metal). After signing to Philips Records in November of 1969, they then released their first single Evil Woman in January of 1970. Which was then followed up by their self-titled debut album Black Sabbath later that year.
Their debut album would receive a negative critical response. In fact, the genre name of heavy metal came from an insult a critic used to describe Black Sabbath's sound. Which was "It sounds like heavy metal hitting the ground", and it stuck ever since. While doing poorly critically, it was successful commercially. This lead to their follow up album. The legendary Paranoid in 1970. This album attracted even more fans and by 1973 critics eventually came around started taking them seriously.
And well... The rest is history.
Black Sabbath is very important band to me. As a kid, music was just something that was there. Sure, I did enjoy some songs but I never really paid it much mind. It wasn't until my dad introduced me to rock en español (latín rock) that I started taking a liking to music.
One time for my birthday, I got this Iron Man game for my PS2. So I start playing it and what do I hear during the first level? Well, it's Black Sabbath's Iron Man of course! At the time I was in 3rd grade and here I am hearing a song to which I have never heard anything like before. I instantly loved it. Sometimes I would even reply the first mission countless of times just so I can hear the song. I even remember at school the teacher was getting to know me and she asked what my favorite song was. So I said "The Iron Man song!", of course she didn't know what I was referring to, so she asked me if I could sing it. I was too embarrassed however, so I said no and left it at that.
So yeah Black Sabbath is a band I hold dear even if I don't particularly listen to them a lot. That being said, I've heard numerous people say that their debut album still creeps them out and seeing as how we're in the month of October, I thought I'd review it. Plus, that's still an album I have yet to listen to from them.
Songs
Black Sabbath
Imagine yourself. It's 1970 you go to your local record store and see an album being showcased by a band called Black Sabbath. You decide to give it a shot so you buy it and make your way home. You see, you're used to hearing music from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Byrds, The Beach Boys, Jefferson Airplane, etc. You pop the new album into your record player and what do you hear?
First off, you hear rain and the ringing of a church bell followed by thunder. What follows are a series of evil, menacing, and dark, guitar riffs. The likes of which you have never heard before. So far the song is brooding and haunting, then Ozzy starts singing. You start to pay attention to the lyrics and realize he's singing about a figure in black marking you as "The Chosen One". Satan also makes his appearance known to you. Throughout the song Ozzy starts screaming phrases such as: "OH GOD NO" and "OH, NO, NO, GOD PLEASE HELP ME".
By this point you're scared shitless and decide to turn it off. Which were a lot of people's reactions when they first heard this song. In fact, a lot of people still admit to being creeped out by this song to this day. It's easy to see why, this song is horror in audio form. Truly there was nothing like it at the time.
This song was also very influential in the foundation of the metal subgenre, Doom Metal. This genre is all about creating a dark, haunting, atmosphere. Many doom metal songs sacrifice speed and aggression in favor of the atmosphere they strive to achieve.
The Wizard
Dialing back from the creepy factor, this next song is more in line with what would be expected at the time. This song instantly reminds me of Led Zeppelin when I hear it. The transition from the harmonica to that kickass bass and guitar riff is just gnarly. Bill Ward is also beating the shit out of his drum set, his rhythm on here is hypnotic. The bouncing rhythm of the whole song is very fun to listen, as a matter of fact.
This song is about a wizard (yeah no shit). The song is a narrative about a wizard stumbling into s village overrun by demons. So he proceeds to stroll all throughout the village spreading his magic throughout. Which scares the demons away because the fuck are they gonna do? He knows they won't step up to him. So the wizard ends up saving the village and leaves, all while leaving behind a bunch of now overjoyed residents.
Wasp / Behind the Wall of Sleep / Basically / N.I.B
Up next we have a series of small musical arrangements that leads up to what is perhaps my favorite Black Sabbath song ever. Behind the Wall of Sleep is a very bluesy and mellow section and doesn't last too long. Basically is a very groovy and cool bass solo that leads to the main attraction.
N.I.B contains an absolute killer guitar riff that leaves me without words everytime I hear it. The guitar solos on this track also kick ass. The bass line and drums are awesome as well. This whole song is just so fucking good. Ozzy's singing has an evil to it that compliments the lyrics wonderfully. Especially at the chorus, sends chills down my spine everytime.
N.I.B is about a guy seducing a woman with promises of a better life. A life so much better than the one she currently lives. Going as far as to promising the sun, moon, and stars, for her. Only this person isn't who she thought they were, as it's slowly revealed that they're the demon Lucifer.
Wicked World
Up next, this track kicks off with a very cool jazzy section that'll be used throughout the song as a sort of 'break time'. In between those 'break times' there's a heavy bluesy section with heavy bass and groovy guitar riffs. The jazzy sections contain unique percussion that is fun to hear. There's also a part of the song that utilizes a reverb pedal that takes the song in a psychedelic path, which I enjoy.
As the name of the song implicates, this song is a negative view on the world. It's talks about war, disease, and children having to grow up in harsh environments. Ozzy also talks shit about politicians, saying how it's easy for them to put a man on the moon but meanwhile people are dying on earth.
A Bit of Finger / Sleeping Village / Warning
Alrighty we've arrived at the last song on the album (I know right? Already? I mean, they did record this album in just 12 hours). Strap in folks, as this song is 14 minutes long so we're in for a bit of a ride.
The start of the song, A Bit of Finger, continues with the heavy, bluesy guitar tones. For a while there will occasionally be faster tempo changes before retreating to it's groovy predecessor. This part is almost entirely an instrumental.
Sleeping Village is more mellow and has some nice guitar solos, as well as a good bass line. Ozzy starts to sing around here as well. Towards the end it's a drum roll frenzy with numerous guitar solos. Which slowly transitions to the next part.
Warning takes the blues influence full on. I immediately think of The Doors when I hear this part. Bill's drumming is awesome on here, Tony and Geezer are also killing it. After a bit all instruments stop leaving only the guitar playing solos, after a while all instruments return with a heavy sound. It doesn't last long before they calm down back to the blues rock. During this last stretch Ozzy closes the album off with his singing.
Overall this was an alright song to end off on, I'm not too crazy about it but I don't hate it.
Final Thoughts
All in all, I was pretty surprised by this album. It turned out to be very good, especially given how short it took them to record it. This album is dark yet still manages to be catchy with their heavy blues infested guitar riffs. It was the first step into creating a whole new world of music and holy shit was it a great first step.
If you're a fan of 60's rock and bands like Led Zeppelin, The Doors, and The Rolling Stones I'd consider checking this out. Even for fans of metal I'd consider checking this album out, even if just to hear how metal first started out. Just don't expect anything crazy :)
If I Had To Rate It Out Of 10: 9/10
My Personal Favorite Songs:
- The Wizard
- Wasp / Behind the Wall of Sleep / Basically / N.I.B
- Wicked World
For Those Interested In Checking It Out Here's A Preview Song:
