Black Sabbath - Master Of Reality
Black Sabbath was formed in Birmingham, England in 1968. They released 8 LPs with the original lineup. Master of Reality is their third LP, from 1971, and Vol 4 (their 4th) is from 1972. Sabbath was not critically well-received until the mid 70s, but they were commercially successful from their first LP. Their dark imagery, down-tuned guitars, heavy riffs and occult and fantasy themed lyrics, Sabbath arguably invented Heavy Metal.
Black Sabbath’s influence cannot be overstated. Countless bands and musicians owe a great debt to the band. They influenced their peers, and their impact on later generations is huge. Punk, Metal (of all varieties), Grunge, and most ‘heavy’ music from the 70s onward all have direct ties to what Sabbath created. Many punk musicians and fans who rejected the 70s ‘Classic Rock’ style, sound, and attitude, still loved Sabbath. They were weirdos, outliers, and their music was cool and heavy and spoke to a very wide audience.
Sabbath existed for a long time, with many line-ups and vocalists. But the classic line-up and first 5 or 6 LPs will always be essential for any rock or metal fan, or anyone who likes things heavy, dark and a little bit (or sometimes a lot) menacing. Master of Reality and Vol 4 stand as peaks in a stellar initial run of genre-defining albums. The juxtaposition of tough-as-nails riffage and introspective ballad-type songs, AND lyrics and vocals that perfectly compliment the music set the standard for heavy music. Whether it’s 1971 or 2024, and whether you’re 15 or 65, SABBATH RULES.
Black Sabbath was formed in Birmingham, England in 1968. They released 8 LPs with the original lineup. Master of Reality is their third LP, from 1971, and Vol 4 (their 4th) is from 1972. Sabbath was not critically well-received until the mid 70s, but they were commercially successful from their first LP. Their dark imagery, down-tuned guitars, heavy riffs and occult and fantasy themed lyrics, Sabbath arguably invented Heavy Metal.
Black Sabbath’s influence cannot be overstated. Countless bands and musicians owe a great debt to the band. They influenced their peers, and their impact on later generations is huge. Punk, Metal (of all varieties), Grunge, and most ‘heavy’ music from the 70s onward all have direct ties to what Sabbath created. Many punk musicians and fans who rejected the 70s ‘Classic Rock’ style, sound, and attitude, still loved Sabbath. They were weirdos, outliers, and their music was cool and heavy and spoke to a very wide audience.
Sabbath existed for a long time, with many line-ups and vocalists. But the classic line-up and first 5 or 6 LPs will always be essential for any rock or metal fan, or anyone who likes things heavy, dark and a little bit (or sometimes a lot) menacing. Master of Reality and Vol 4 stand as peaks in a stellar initial run of genre-defining albums. The juxtaposition of tough-as-nails riffage and introspective ballad-type songs, AND lyrics and vocals that perfectly compliment the music set the standard for heavy music. Whether it’s 1971 or 2024, and whether you’re 15 or 65, SABBATH RULES.
Black Sabbath was formed in Birmingham, England in 1968. They released 8 LPs with the original lineup. Master of Reality is their third LP, from 1971, and Vol 4 (their 4th) is from 1972. Sabbath was not critically well-received until the mid 70s, but they were commercially successful from their first LP. Their dark imagery, down-tuned guitars, heavy riffs and occult and fantasy themed lyrics, Sabbath arguably invented Heavy Metal.
Black Sabbath’s influence cannot be overstated. Countless bands and musicians owe a great debt to the band. They influenced their peers, and their impact on later generations is huge. Punk, Metal (of all varieties), Grunge, and most ‘heavy’ music from the 70s onward all have direct ties to what Sabbath created. Many punk musicians and fans who rejected the 70s ‘Classic Rock’ style, sound, and attitude, still loved Sabbath. They were weirdos, outliers, and their music was cool and heavy and spoke to a very wide audience.
Sabbath existed for a long time, with many line-ups and vocalists. But the classic line-up and first 5 or 6 LPs will always be essential for any rock or metal fan, or anyone who likes things heavy, dark and a little bit (or sometimes a lot) menacing. Master of Reality and Vol 4 stand as peaks in a stellar initial run of genre-defining albums. The juxtaposition of tough-as-nails riffage and introspective ballad-type songs, AND lyrics and vocals that perfectly compliment the music set the standard for heavy music. Whether it’s 1971 or 2024, and whether you’re 15 or 65, SABBATH RULES.