Album: The Sabbath Stones by Black Sabbath (1996)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: I.R.S. Records
Format: Compilation

Description: The Sabbath Stones (1996) is a compilation album of Black Sabbath songs taken from albums ranging from 1983's Born Again to 1995's Forbidden. It was never formally released in the US or Canada, and was the last album to be released by Black Sabbath with I.R.S. Records.

The album was created solely to fulfill Black Sabbath's contract with I.R.S. It included a short story about Black Sabbath which had some mistakes, including the misspelling of Vinny Appice's name on the front cover of the CD as "Vinnie", a mistake which also appeared on both the Mob Rules and Live Evil sleeves.

This compilation features at least one song from each of the eight Black Sabbath albums released from 1983 until 1995. This period covers all five studio albums released by the band with lead singer Tony Martin, one studio album with lead singer Ian Gillan, one with Glenn Hughes and one with Ronnie James Dio.

The version of "Headless Cross" that appears on this album starts with the last few seconds of the track "The Gates of Hell" (Which precedes "Headless Cross" on the Headless Cross album) before the opening drum line.

‘Loser Gets It All’, according to the liner notes in the album, was supposedly one of Tony Iommi’s favorite tracks to both perform and write. It was recorded during the Forbidden sessions, but only appeared on the Japanese version of the album.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Epic, 1990s, Compilation, I.R.S. Records


The Sabbath Stones (1996) is a compilation album of Black Sabbath songs taken from albums ranging from 1983's Born Again to 1995's Forbidden. It was never formally released in the US or Canada, and was the last album to be released by Black Sabbath with I.R.S. Records.

The album was created solely to fulfill Black Sabbath's contract with I.R.S. It included a short story about Black Sabbath which had some mistakes, including the misspelling of Vinny Appice's name on the front cover of the CD as "Vinnie", a mistake which also appeared on both the Mob Rules and Live Evil sleeves.

This compilation features at least one song from each of the eight Black Sabbath albums released from 1983 until 1995. This period covers all five studio albums released by the band with lead singer Tony Martin, one studio album with lead singer Ian Gillan, one with Glenn Hughes and one with Ronnie James Dio.

The version of "Headless Cross" that appears on this album starts with the last few seconds of the track "The Gates of Hell" (Which precedes "Headless Cross" on the Headless Cross album) before the opening drum line.

‘Loser Gets It All’, according to the liner notes in the album, was supposedly one of Tony Iommi’s favorite tracks to both perform and write. It was recorded during the Forbidden sessions, but only appeared on the Japanese version of the album.

Album: Vol 4 by Black Sabbath (1972)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Album

Description: Black Sabbath Vol. 4 is the fourth album by the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in September 1972.

Vol. 4 demonstrates Black Sabbath beginning to experiment with the heavy sound they had become known for. Although some of the album's songs are in their trademark style, others demonstrate a more sensitive approach which the band had never attempted before. This is best exemplified by the song "Changes". Written by Tony Iommi, it is entirely in the form of a piano ballad with mellotron. Although the band had used piano on some songs previously, it had played only a minor role in the songs.

At least two songs on the album reference the use of cocaine, with the lyrics and title of "Snowblind" being an example of this. "Cocaine" is whispered quite audibly after the first verse, approximately 41 seconds into the song. (During live performances Osbourne would typically scream the word at the top of his lungs after every verse.)

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1970s, Album, Vertigo

Additional Context: Rating score: 8. Based on 2 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Black Sabbath Vol. 4 is the fourth album by the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in September 1972.

Vol. 4 demonstrates Black Sabbath beginning to experiment with the heavy sound they had become known for. Although some of the album's songs are in their trademark style, others demonstrate a more sensitive approach which the band had never attempted before. This is best exemplified by the song "Changes". Written by Tony Iommi, it is entirely in the form of a piano ballad with mellotron. Although the band had used piano on some songs previously, it had played only a minor role in the songs.

At least two songs on the album reference the use of cocaine, with the lyrics and title of "Snowblind" being an example of this. "Cocaine" is whispered quite audibly after the first verse, approximately 41 seconds into the song. (During live performances Osbourne would typically scream the word at the top of his lungs after every verse.)

Album: The Eternal Idol by Black Sabbath (1987)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Album

Description: The Eternal Idol is the thirteenth studio album by Black Sabbath, released in December 1987. It is the first of several Black Sabbath albums to feature longtime vocalist Tony Martin. It spent six weeks on the Billboard 200 chart, peaking at 168. It was also the last full album of new material by Black Sabbath to be released by Warner Bros. Records (in North America).

The album cover was intended to feature a picture of an Auguste Rodin sculpture from 1889 also called "The Eternal Idol". However, the album cover actually features two naked models covered in paint and positioned to resemble the piece of art because permission to photograph the actual sculpture could not be secured. Despite the sleeve credits, all bass parts were completed by Bob Daisley, and Eric Singer completed all drum parts. The percussion credit to Bev Bevan relates to a few cymbal overdubs on "Scarlet Pimpernel".

The album was originally to be recorded with vocalist Ray Gillen, who quit the band shortly after the initial sessions on Montserrat with producer Jeff Glixman. Martin was hired and reconstructed the vocals shortly before production ended. Most tracks were written by Tony Iommi and bassist/lyricist Bob Daisley (although the vinyl version states that all songs were written by Iommi), although some lyrics were subsequently modified by Geoff Nicholls and Tony Martin after he joined the band.

There is a 3 minute and fifteen second studio outtake titled "Some Kind of Woman", which was written by Tony Martin shortly after joining the band. It was offered as a B-side to "The Shining" single and an early version of "Black Moon", which was released on Headless Cross, was released as a B-Side to the "Eternal Idol" single.

The album was re-released on November 1, 2010 in Europe in a 2-disc expanded set. Bonus content includes the aforementioned B-sides "Some Kind of Woman" and "Black Moon" on disc 1, while disc 2 contains the session for the album recorded with Ray Gillen on vocals.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1980s, Album, Vertigo

Additional Context: Rating score: 7. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


The Eternal Idol is the thirteenth studio album by Black Sabbath, released in December 1987. It is the first of several Black Sabbath albums to feature longtime vocalist Tony Martin. It spent six weeks on the Billboard 200 chart, peaking at 168. It was also the last full album of new material by Black Sabbath to be released by Warner Bros. Records (in North America).

The album cover was intended to feature a picture of an Auguste Rodin sculpture from 1889 also called "The Eternal Idol". However, the album cover actually features two naked models covered in paint and positioned to resemble the piece of art because permission to photograph the actual sculpture could not be secured. Despite the sleeve credits, all bass parts were completed by Bob Daisley, and Eric Singer completed all drum parts. The percussion credit to Bev Bevan relates to a few cymbal overdubs on "Scarlet Pimpernel".

The album was originally to be recorded with vocalist Ray Gillen, who quit the band shortly after the initial sessions on Montserrat with producer Jeff Glixman. Martin was hired and reconstructed the vocals shortly before production ended. Most tracks were written by Tony Iommi and bassist/lyricist Bob Daisley (although the vinyl version states that all songs were written by Iommi), although some lyrics were subsequently modified by Geoff Nicholls and Tony Martin after he joined the band.

There is a 3 minute and fifteen second studio outtake titled "Some Kind of Woman", which was written by Tony Martin shortly after joining the band. It was offered as a B-side to "The Shining" single and an early version of "Black Moon", which was released on Headless Cross, was released as a B-Side to the "Eternal Idol" single.

The album was re-released on November 1, 2010 in Europe in a 2-disc expanded set. Bonus content includes the aforementioned B-sides "Some Kind of Woman" and "Black Moon" on disc 1, while disc 2 contains the session for the album recorded with Ray Gillen on vocals.

Album: Heaven and Hell by Black Sabbath (1980)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Album

Description: Heaven and Hell is the ninth studio album by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released on April 25, 1980. It is their first album featuring lead singer Ronnie James Dio and producer Martin Birch.Heaven and Hell became one of Black Sabbath's best-selling albums, revitalizing the group after original lead singer Ozzy Osbourne's departure. It was re-released in the Black Sabbath box set The Rules of Hell.Heaven and Hell is the first Black Sabbath album recorded without founding member Ozzy Osbourne, who was fired from the band and replaced by Ronnie James Dio. Geoff Nicholls of Quartz also joined—a possible replacement for bassist Geezer Butler, who had missed most of the album's writing sessions and was going through a divorce. When Butler decided to stay, Nicholls became Black Sabbath's keyboardist—a position he would hold for over 20 years (though he usually played off-stage during concerts).
Former Elf and Rainbow bassist Craig Gruber also rehearsed with the band. Gruber's involvement appears to be a point of debate: In a 1996 interview, Tony Iommi mentions that Gruber played with the band for "a bit". Gruber has stated that his contribution was much more substantial and that he only left the group once Butler decided to return.
Drummer Bill Ward stayed on through the album's completion and toured with the band through August, but drinking and other developments in his personal life eventually prevented him from completing the Black and Blue Tour, which featured Black Sabbath and Blue Öyster Cult. Ward's mid-tour replacement Vinny Appice would become an official member.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Epic, 1980s, Album, Vertigo

Additional Context: Rating score: 6. Based on 1 votes


Heaven and Hell is the ninth studio album by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released on April 25, 1980. It is their first album featuring lead singer Ronnie James Dio and producer Martin Birch.Heaven and Hell became one of Black Sabbath's best-selling albums, revitalizing the group after original lead singer Ozzy Osbourne's departure. It was re-released in the Black Sabbath box set The Rules of Hell.Heaven and Hell is the first Black Sabbath album recorded without founding member Ozzy Osbourne, who was fired from the band and replaced by Ronnie James Dio. Geoff Nicholls of Quartz also joined—a possible replacement for bassist Geezer Butler, who had missed most of the album's writing sessions and was going through a divorce. When Butler decided to stay, Nicholls became Black Sabbath's keyboardist—a position he would hold for over 20 years (though he usually played off-stage during concerts).
Former Elf and Rainbow bassist Craig Gruber also rehearsed with the band. Gruber's involvement appears to be a point of debate: In a 1996 interview, Tony Iommi mentions that Gruber played with the band for "a bit". Gruber has stated that his contribution was much more substantial and that he only left the group once Butler decided to return.
Drummer Bill Ward stayed on through the album's completion and toured with the band through August, but drinking and other developments in his personal life eventually prevented him from completing the Black and Blue Tour, which featured Black Sabbath and Blue Öyster Cult. Ward's mid-tour replacement Vinny Appice would become an official member.

Album: Born Again by Black Sabbath (1983)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Album

Description: Born Again is the eleventh studio album by English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in August 1983. It is the only album the group recorded with lead vocalist Ian Gillan.
It has been panned by critics, but reached #4 in the UK charts as well as the top 40 in the United States.
The CD version of this album is available in the United States. In May 2011, a 2-disc Deluxe Edition of the album was released in the UK by Sanctuary Records.Born Again was the only album by Black Sabbath featuring Ian Gillan, a then former vocalist for Deep Purple who was at the time a solo artist, on vocals. The band's guitarist, Tony Iommi, has said that the group fired their previous vocalist, Ronnie James Dio, and considered such possible replacements as Robert Plant (formerly of Led Zeppelin) and David Coverdale (also a former Deep Purple singer, now with Whitesnake), before they settled on Gillan. Gillan had first turned down the offer to join Black Sabbath, but his manager later convinced him to meet with Iommi and the band's bass guitarist, Geezer Butler. Iommi and Butler met with Gillan at The Bear public house in Oxford and Gillan officially joined the band in February 1983. The album also featured Bill Ward, the original Black Sabbath drummer who was newly sober. Ward has said that he enjoyed making the album.
Black Sabbath began recording the album in May 1983 at The Manor Studio.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1980s, Album, Vertigo

Additional Context: Rating score: 7. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Born Again is the eleventh studio album by English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in August 1983. It is the only album the group recorded with lead vocalist Ian Gillan.
It has been panned by critics, but reached #4 in the UK charts as well as the top 40 in the United States.
The CD version of this album is available in the United States. In May 2011, a 2-disc Deluxe Edition of the album was released in the UK by Sanctuary Records.Born Again was the only album by Black Sabbath featuring Ian Gillan, a then former vocalist for Deep Purple who was at the time a solo artist, on vocals. The band's guitarist, Tony Iommi, has said that the group fired their previous vocalist, Ronnie James Dio, and considered such possible replacements as Robert Plant (formerly of Led Zeppelin) and David Coverdale (also a former Deep Purple singer, now with Whitesnake), before they settled on Gillan. Gillan had first turned down the offer to join Black Sabbath, but his manager later convinced him to meet with Iommi and the band's bass guitarist, Geezer Butler. Iommi and Butler met with Gillan at The Bear public house in Oxford and Gillan officially joined the band in February 1983. The album also featured Bill Ward, the original Black Sabbath drummer who was newly sober. Ward has said that he enjoyed making the album.
Black Sabbath began recording the album in May 1983 at The Manor Studio.

Album: Headless Cross by Black Sabbath (1989)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Album

Description: Headless Cross is the fourteenth album by heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in April 1989.

This is the band's second album to feature singer Tony Martin and the first to feature drummer Cozy Powell.

Laurence Cottle played bass on the recording on a session-basis but was never an official band member.[citation needed] Cottle did appear in the video for the title track, but was not featured in any promotional photos. For the tour, the line-up was completed by Whitesnake and Gary Moore bassist Neil Murray also known from the Queen musical We Will Rock You.

Headless Cross was praised among critics and fans, being considered the best Sabbath album in years and is an album of which both Martin and Tony Iommi are very proud. The lyrics on the album have predominantly occult elements, arguably the only time in the band's career where an entire album is based on such ideals rather than select songs. Sales-wise, the album and tour did very well in the U.K. and in Europe.[citation needed] Sales in the U.S. were low, leading to the curtailment of the tour. In interviews, the band cited lack of promotion of the live dates to have been the problem.[citation needed] The album spent eight weeks on the Billboard 200 chart where it peaked at number 115.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1980s, Album, Vertigo

Additional Context: Based on 2 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Headless Cross is the fourteenth album by heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in April 1989.

This is the band's second album to feature singer Tony Martin and the first to feature drummer Cozy Powell.

Laurence Cottle played bass on the recording on a session-basis but was never an official band member.[citation needed] Cottle did appear in the video for the title track, but was not featured in any promotional photos. For the tour, the line-up was completed by Whitesnake and Gary Moore bassist Neil Murray also known from the Queen musical We Will Rock You.

Headless Cross was praised among critics and fans, being considered the best Sabbath album in years and is an album of which both Martin and Tony Iommi are very proud. The lyrics on the album have predominantly occult elements, arguably the only time in the band's career where an entire album is based on such ideals rather than select songs. Sales-wise, the album and tour did very well in the U.K. and in Europe.[citation needed] Sales in the U.S. were low, leading to the curtailment of the tour. In interviews, the band cited lack of promotion of the live dates to have been the problem.[citation needed] The album spent eight weeks on the Billboard 200 chart where it peaked at number 115.

Album: Sabotage by Black Sabbath (1975)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Album

Description: Sabotage is the sixth studio album by the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in June 1975.

The album is a mix of heavy, powerful songs such as "Hole in the Sky" and "Symptom of the Universe", and softer experimental songs such as "Supertzar" and "Am I Going Insane (Radio)", which are similar to the band's previous album. The title of the latter caused some confusion due to the "(Radio)" part, which led people to believe the song was a radio cut or radio version. However, this is the only version of the song: the term "radio-rental" is rhyming slang for "mental". The song itself is very different from the typical Ozzy Osbourne-era Black Sabbath song. It features no heavy guitar riff; instead, a keyboard riff is prominent. The song concludes with an "insane laugh" which carries into "The Writ".

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1970s, Album, Vertigo

Additional Context: Rating score: 8. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Sabotage is the sixth studio album by the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in June 1975.

The album is a mix of heavy, powerful songs such as "Hole in the Sky" and "Symptom of the Universe", and softer experimental songs such as "Supertzar" and "Am I Going Insane (Radio)", which are similar to the band's previous album. The title of the latter caused some confusion due to the "(Radio)" part, which led people to believe the song was a radio cut or radio version. However, this is the only version of the song: the term "radio-rental" is rhyming slang for "mental". The song itself is very different from the typical Ozzy Osbourne-era Black Sabbath song. It features no heavy guitar riff; instead, a keyboard riff is prominent. The song concludes with an "insane laugh" which carries into "The Writ".

Album: Sabbath Bloody Sabbath by Black Sabbath (1973)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Album

Description: Sabbath Bloody Sabbath is the fifth studio album by the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in December 1973. With this album, the band expanded upon their slow, crunching style of music by adding strings, keyboards and more complex orchestral arrangements.

Building off the stylistic changes introduced on Volume 4, new songs incorporated synthesizers, strings, keyboards and more complex arrangements. In particular, "Sabbra Cadabra" and "Who Are You?" utilise a Moog synthesizer, a common instrument in progressive rock at the time. Lyrics of some songs on the album were written about problems within the band at the time.

"Killing Yourself to Live" was written by bassist Geezer Butler while in hospital for kidney problems caused by heavy drinking. Drummer Bill Ward was also suffering from binge drinking, and the song reflects the problems caused by their "extreme" lifestyles. An earlier incarnation of the song can be heard on the records Live at Last and Past Lives.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1970s, Album, Vertigo

Additional Context: Rating score: 9. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Sabbath Bloody Sabbath is the fifth studio album by the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in December 1973. With this album, the band expanded upon their slow, crunching style of music by adding strings, keyboards and more complex orchestral arrangements.

Building off the stylistic changes introduced on Volume 4, new songs incorporated synthesizers, strings, keyboards and more complex arrangements. In particular, "Sabbra Cadabra" and "Who Are You?" utilise a Moog synthesizer, a common instrument in progressive rock at the time. Lyrics of some songs on the album were written about problems within the band at the time.

"Killing Yourself to Live" was written by bassist Geezer Butler while in hospital for kidney problems caused by heavy drinking. Drummer Bill Ward was also suffering from binge drinking, and the song reflects the problems caused by their "extreme" lifestyles. An earlier incarnation of the song can be heard on the records Live at Last and Past Lives.

Album: Never Say Die! by Black Sabbath (1978)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Album

Description: Never Say Die! is the eighth studio album by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in September 1978. It was the final Black Sabbath studio album to feature vocalist Ozzy Osbourne prior to his departure from the band in 1979 to pursue a solo career.

The album was recorded at Sounds Interchange Studios in Toronto, as were parts of Technical Ecstasy. Closing track "Swinging The Chain" features lead vocals from drummer Bill Ward, necessitated by Osbourne's frequent absences from the studio and inability to perform due to substance abuse.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1970s, Album, Vertigo

Additional Context: Rating score: 6. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Never Say Die! is the eighth studio album by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in September 1978. It was the final Black Sabbath studio album to feature vocalist Ozzy Osbourne prior to his departure from the band in 1979 to pursue a solo career.

The album was recorded at Sounds Interchange Studios in Toronto, as were parts of Technical Ecstasy. Closing track "Swinging The Chain" features lead vocals from drummer Bill Ward, necessitated by Osbourne's frequent absences from the studio and inability to perform due to substance abuse.

Album: Cross Purposes by Black Sabbath (1994)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Album

Description: Cross Purposes is the seventeenth studio album by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in January 1994.

Dehumanizer saw the reunion of Mob Rules-era Black Sabbath, but, after the tour, Ronnie James Dio (vocals) and Vinny Appice (drums) departed. They were replaced by former Sabbath vocalist Tony Martin and former Rainbow/Blue Öyster Cult drummer Bobby Rondinelli. Until the June 2013 release of their upcoming album 13, Cross Purposes was the last Black Sabbath album recorded with Geezer Butler on bass.

The song "Cardinal Sin" was originally intended to be titled "Sin Cardinal Sin" (or "Sin, Cardinal Sin") but a printing error on the album sleeve caused the first word to be removed. Sabbath simply adopted the title "Cardinal Sin" as the name of the song.

A promo video was shot for "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle", in black-and-white.
"What's the Use?" was released only on the Japanese edition of Cross Purposes, which also contained a free sticker of the artwork. Interestingly, a nearly identical version of the "burning angel" image was featured on a Scorpions single three years earlier.

The album peaked at number 122 on the Billboard 200 charts.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1990s, Album, Vertigo

Additional Context: Rating score: 6. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Cross Purposes is the seventeenth studio album by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in January 1994.

Dehumanizer saw the reunion of Mob Rules-era Black Sabbath, but, after the tour, Ronnie James Dio (vocals) and Vinny Appice (drums) departed. They were replaced by former Sabbath vocalist Tony Martin and former Rainbow/Blue Öyster Cult drummer Bobby Rondinelli. Until the June 2013 release of their upcoming album 13, Cross Purposes was the last Black Sabbath album recorded with Geezer Butler on bass.

The song "Cardinal Sin" was originally intended to be titled "Sin Cardinal Sin" (or "Sin, Cardinal Sin") but a printing error on the album sleeve caused the first word to be removed. Sabbath simply adopted the title "Cardinal Sin" as the name of the song.

A promo video was shot for "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle", in black-and-white.
"What's the Use?" was released only on the Japanese edition of Cross Purposes, which also contained a free sticker of the artwork. Interestingly, a nearly identical version of the "burning angel" image was featured on a Scorpions single three years earlier.

The album peaked at number 122 on the Billboard 200 charts.

Album: Master of Reality by Black Sabbath (1971)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Album

Description: Master of Reality is the third album by the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in July 1971. It is noted as laying the foundations of doom, stoner, and sludge metal. Master of Reality was certified double platinum after having sold over 2 million copies.For the recording of this album, guitarist Tony Iommi, who had injured his fingers in a factory accident years earlier,decided to downtune his guitar down three semi-tones (or one and a half steps to C-sharp). This reduced string tension, thus making the guitar easier for him to play. Geezer Butler also downtuned his bass guitar to match Iommi. The result was a noticeably "darker" or "sludgier" sound that almost two decades later would prove hugely influential on at least three of the biggest alternative rock acts, namely Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden, and Nirvana.[Master of Reality was recorded at Island Studios in London between February and April 1971. The album was produced by Rodger Bain, who had also produced their previous two albums. However, this would be his final collaboration with the band.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1970s, Album, Vertigo

Additional Context: Rating score: 9. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Master of Reality is the third album by the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in July 1971. It is noted as laying the foundations of doom, stoner, and sludge metal. Master of Reality was certified double platinum after having sold over 2 million copies.For the recording of this album, guitarist Tony Iommi, who had injured his fingers in a factory accident years earlier,decided to downtune his guitar down three semi-tones (or one and a half steps to C-sharp). This reduced string tension, thus making the guitar easier for him to play. Geezer Butler also downtuned his bass guitar to match Iommi. The result was a noticeably "darker" or "sludgier" sound that almost two decades later would prove hugely influential on at least three of the biggest alternative rock acts, namely Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden, and Nirvana.[Master of Reality was recorded at Island Studios in London between February and April 1971. The album was produced by Rodger Bain, who had also produced their previous two albums. However, this would be his final collaboration with the band.

Album: Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath (1970)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Album

Description: Black Sabbath is the eponymous debut album by English heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Released on 13 February 1970 in the United Kingdom, and later on 1 June 1970 in the United States, the album reached number eight on the UK Albums Chart and has been categorised as the first major album to be credited with the development of the heavy metal genre.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1970s, Album, Vertigo

Additional Context: Rating score: 9. Based on 2 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Black Sabbath is the eponymous debut album by English heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Released on 13 February 1970 in the United Kingdom, and later on 1 June 1970 in the United States, the album reached number eight on the UK Albums Chart and has been categorised as the first major album to be credited with the development of the heavy metal genre.

Album: Forbidden by Black Sabbath (1995)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Album

Description: Forbidden is the eighteenth studio album by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in June 1995. This also saw the reunion of Black Sabbath's TYR-era lineup from 1990, with the return of Neil Murray and Cozy Powell. It was the last album to feature Tony Martin on vocals and the last by the band until 2013 when Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler returned for the album 13.

The album's opening track, "The Illusion of Power", features Ice-T of the band Body Count in the bridge, delivering a spoken word part. Body Count band member Ernie C also produced, recorded and mixed the album.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1990s, Album, Vertigo

Additional Context: Rating score: 5. Based on 1 votes


Forbidden is the eighteenth studio album by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in June 1995. This also saw the reunion of Black Sabbath's TYR-era lineup from 1990, with the return of Neil Murray and Cozy Powell. It was the last album to feature Tony Martin on vocals and the last by the band until 2013 when Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler returned for the album 13.

The album's opening track, "The Illusion of Power", features Ice-T of the band Body Count in the bridge, delivering a spoken word part. Body Count band member Ernie C also produced, recorded and mixed the album.

Album: Paranoid by Black Sabbath (1976)
Genre: blues rock
Record Label: NEMS
Format: 12" Vinyl

Description: reissue

Artist Background: Artist from GB, known for classic rock, doom metal, hard rock, heavy metal, metal

Musical Influences: Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Ozzy Osbourne

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: blues rock, 1970s, 12" Vinyl, NEMS


Album: Paranoid by Black Sabbath (1970)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Album

Description: Paranoid is the second studio album by the English heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Released in September 1970, the album was the only one by the band to top the UK Albums Chart, and as a result is commonly identified as the band's magnum opus. Paranoid has been certified four times platinum by the RIAA and contains some of the band's best-known signature songs, including "Iron Man", "War Pigs", and the title track.To capitalise on their chart success in the US, the band returned to the studio in June 1970, just four months after Black Sabbath was released. The new album was initially set to be named War Pigs after the song "War Pigs", which was critical of the Vietnam War; however, Warner changed the title of the album to Paranoid when what would become the album's lead-off single, "Paranoid", was written in the studio at the last minute. As Bill Ward explains: "We didn't have enough songs for the album, and Tony just played the [Paranoid] guitar lick and that was it. It took twenty, twenty-five minutes from top to bottom." The single was released in September 1970 and reached number four on the UK charts, remaining Black Sabbath's only top ten hit. The album followed in the UK in October 1970, where, pushed by the success of the "Paranoid" single, it made number one in the charts.

The US release was held until January 1971, as the Black Sabbath album was still on the charts at the time of Paranoid's UK release. The album reached No. 12 in the US in March 1971, and would go on to sell four million copies in the US, with virtually no radio airplay. Like Black Sabbath, the album was panned by rock critics of the era, but modern-day reviewers such as Allmusic's Steve Huey cite Paranoid as "one of the greatest and most influential heavy metal albums of all time", which "defined the sound and style of heavy metal more than any other record in rock history". In 2003, the album was ranked at No. 130 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Paranoid's chart success allowed the band to tour the US for the first time in October 1970, which spawned the release of the album's second single "Iron Man". Although the single failed to reach the top 40, "Iron Man" remains one of Black Sabbath's most popular songs, as well as the band's highest charting US single.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1970s, Album, Vertigo

Additional Context: Based on 2 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Paranoid is the second studio album by the English heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Released in September 1970, the album was the only one by the band to top the UK Albums Chart, and as a result is commonly identified as the band's magnum opus. Paranoid has been certified four times platinum by the RIAA and contains some of the band's best-known signature songs, including "Iron Man", "War Pigs", and the title track.To capitalise on their chart success in the US, the band returned to the studio in June 1970, just four months after Black Sabbath was released. The new album was initially set to be named War Pigs after the song "War Pigs", which was critical of the Vietnam War; however, Warner changed the title of the album to Paranoid when what would become the album's lead-off single, "Paranoid", was written in the studio at the last minute. As Bill Ward explains: "We didn't have enough songs for the album, and Tony just played the [Paranoid] guitar lick and that was it. It took twenty, twenty-five minutes from top to bottom." The single was released in September 1970 and reached number four on the UK charts, remaining Black Sabbath's only top ten hit. The album followed in the UK in October 1970, where, pushed by the success of the "Paranoid" single, it made number one in the charts.

The US release was held until January 1971, as the Black Sabbath album was still on the charts at the time of Paranoid's UK release. The album reached No. 12 in the US in March 1971, and would go on to sell four million copies in the US, with virtually no radio airplay. Like Black Sabbath, the album was panned by rock critics of the era, but modern-day reviewers such as Allmusic's Steve Huey cite Paranoid as "one of the greatest and most influential heavy metal albums of all time", which "defined the sound and style of heavy metal more than any other record in rock history". In 2003, the album was ranked at No. 130 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Paranoid's chart success allowed the band to tour the US for the first time in October 1970, which spawned the release of the album's second single "Iron Man". Although the single failed to reach the top 40, "Iron Man" remains one of Black Sabbath's most popular songs, as well as the band's highest charting US single.

Album: The Dio Years by Black Sabbath (2007)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Compilation

Description: Black Sabbath: The Dio Years is a 2007 compilation CD of material from recordings made during vocalist Ronnie James Dio's tenure in the band. The CD contains full album length, remastered tracks culled from all three studio albums; Heaven and Hell (1980), Mob Rules (1981), Dehumanizer (1992), and the live album Live Evil (1982). It also contains three new recorded songs; "The Devil Cried", "Shadow of the Wind", and "Ear in the Wall".

It was reported that the collection was first conceived of as a box set, in the vein of Black Box: The Complete Original Black Sabbath (1970–1978); containing all of the group's albums released from their post-Ozzy Osbourne period, starting from Heaven and Hell to The Eternal Idol. This idea was eventually scrapped, and another box set was planned only to feature the four albums recorded from the Dio era of the band. This second idea was put aside, eventually emerging into The Rules of Hell box set released in the summer of 2008.

In an interview conducted by Martin Popoff, Tony Iommi revealed that in fact three tracks were recorded: "Shadow of the Wind" (a slow tune), "The Devil Cried" (a mid tempo rocker) and "Ear in the Wall" (a fast song), therefore changing the original plan for two new songs to accommodate all three tracks in the compilation. "The Devil Cried" was released as a single on 13 March 2007.

On 23 February 2007, both Eddie Trunk and Sirius Satellite Radio unveiled the song "The Devil Cried" from the upcoming album. Rhino Records subsequently made the track available (for preview only) on 26 February 2007. On the week of 13 March 2007, it became available for download at all digital outlets.

After the recording was completed the members decided to tour under the moniker, Heaven & Hell. Dio and Iommi decided that the working partnership they had achieved in recording the 3 new songs would not be wasted, so they recorded The Devil You Know.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 2000s, Compilation, Vertigo


Black Sabbath: The Dio Years is a 2007 compilation CD of material from recordings made during vocalist Ronnie James Dio's tenure in the band. The CD contains full album length, remastered tracks culled from all three studio albums; Heaven and Hell (1980), Mob Rules (1981), Dehumanizer (1992), and the live album Live Evil (1982). It also contains three new recorded songs; "The Devil Cried", "Shadow of the Wind", and "Ear in the Wall".

It was reported that the collection was first conceived of as a box set, in the vein of Black Box: The Complete Original Black Sabbath (1970–1978); containing all of the group's albums released from their post-Ozzy Osbourne period, starting from Heaven and Hell to The Eternal Idol. This idea was eventually scrapped, and another box set was planned only to feature the four albums recorded from the Dio era of the band. This second idea was put aside, eventually emerging into The Rules of Hell box set released in the summer of 2008.

In an interview conducted by Martin Popoff, Tony Iommi revealed that in fact three tracks were recorded: "Shadow of the Wind" (a slow tune), "The Devil Cried" (a mid tempo rocker) and "Ear in the Wall" (a fast song), therefore changing the original plan for two new songs to accommodate all three tracks in the compilation. "The Devil Cried" was released as a single on 13 March 2007.

On 23 February 2007, both Eddie Trunk and Sirius Satellite Radio unveiled the song "The Devil Cried" from the upcoming album. Rhino Records subsequently made the track available (for preview only) on 26 February 2007. On the week of 13 March 2007, it became available for download at all digital outlets.

After the recording was completed the members decided to tour under the moniker, Heaven & Hell. Dio and Iommi decided that the working partnership they had achieved in recording the 3 new songs would not be wasted, so they recorded The Devil You Know.

Album: Technical Ecstasy by Black Sabbath (1976)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Album

Description: Technical Ecstasy is the seventh studio album by the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in September 1976.

Technical Ecstasy continued the band's separation from its signature doom and darkness that had been such a trademark of the band's early career. While the album's lyrics dealt with topics such as drug dealers, prostitution, and transvestites, the music itself was seldom dark, and tracks like "Rock 'n' Roll Doctor" and "It's Alright" (the latter sung by drummer Bill Ward—a decision supported by Ozzy Osbourne), were very different from Black Sabbath's earlier recordings. Also, the band continued experimenting with keyboards and synthesizers more so than previous albums. The track "She's Gone" features orchestrations.

Osbourne left the band briefly following the release of the album. He would eventually rejoin for the follow-up album, Never Say Die!.

The cover art is designed by Hipgnosis and is meant to represent two robots having sex. Osbourne once described it as "two robots screwing on an escalator."

The UK release had a two-sided lyric/credit-insert.

"Gypsy", "Dirty Women", "Rock 'n' Roll Doctor" and (briefly) "All Moving Parts (Stand Still)" were played live on the supporting tour.

"It's Alright" was often covered live by Guns N' Roses, and included in their Live Era: '87–'93 album. The song was also featured in the 2010 film It's Kind of a Funny Story.

The album was certified Gold on 19 June 1997 and peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Pop Album chart.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1970s, Album, Vertigo

Additional Context: Rating score: 7. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Technical Ecstasy is the seventh studio album by the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in September 1976.

Technical Ecstasy continued the band's separation from its signature doom and darkness that had been such a trademark of the band's early career. While the album's lyrics dealt with topics such as drug dealers, prostitution, and transvestites, the music itself was seldom dark, and tracks like "Rock 'n' Roll Doctor" and "It's Alright" (the latter sung by drummer Bill Ward—a decision supported by Ozzy Osbourne), were very different from Black Sabbath's earlier recordings. Also, the band continued experimenting with keyboards and synthesizers more so than previous albums. The track "She's Gone" features orchestrations.

Osbourne left the band briefly following the release of the album. He would eventually rejoin for the follow-up album, Never Say Die!.

The cover art is designed by Hipgnosis and is meant to represent two robots having sex. Osbourne once described it as "two robots screwing on an escalator."

The UK release had a two-sided lyric/credit-insert.

"Gypsy", "Dirty Women", "Rock 'n' Roll Doctor" and (briefly) "All Moving Parts (Stand Still)" were played live on the supporting tour.

"It's Alright" was often covered live by Guns N' Roses, and included in their Live Era: '87–'93 album. The song was also featured in the 2010 film It's Kind of a Funny Story.

The album was certified Gold on 19 June 1997 and peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Pop Album chart.

Album: Dehumanizer by Black Sabbath (1992)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Album

Description: Dehumanizer is the sixteenth studio album by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in June 1992.

It was the first Black Sabbath studio album in over a decade to feature Ronnie James Dio on vocals and Vinny Appice on drums. It is also the first in nine years to feature original bassist Geezer Butler. Initial writing and demo sessions at Rich Bitch Studios in Birmingham featured drummer Cozy Powell; bootlegs of these sessions exist.

The album's line-up of Dio, Appice, Butler, and guitarist Tony Iommi later reunited in 2006 for a greatest hits set, dubbed Black Sabbath: The Dio Years and later "Heaven and Hell", and released the album "The Devil You Know" under the latter moniker.

The album was re-released, complete with bonus content, on 7 February 2011.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1990s, Album, Vertigo

Additional Context: Based on 2 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Dehumanizer is the sixteenth studio album by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in June 1992.

It was the first Black Sabbath studio album in over a decade to feature Ronnie James Dio on vocals and Vinny Appice on drums. It is also the first in nine years to feature original bassist Geezer Butler. Initial writing and demo sessions at Rich Bitch Studios in Birmingham featured drummer Cozy Powell; bootlegs of these sessions exist.

The album's line-up of Dio, Appice, Butler, and guitarist Tony Iommi later reunited in 2006 for a greatest hits set, dubbed Black Sabbath: The Dio Years and later "Heaven and Hell", and released the album "The Devil You Know" under the latter moniker.

The album was re-released, complete with bonus content, on 7 February 2011.

Album: The Ultimate Collection by Black Sabbath (2016)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Compilation

Description: lack Sabbath are arguably the most influential heavy metal band of all time. The band helped to create the genre with ground breaking releases such as Paranoid, an album that Rolling Stone magazine said "changed music forever", and called the band "the Beatles of heavy metal". Time Magazine called Paranoid "the birthplace of heavy metal".

The band, who have been performing for over 45 years, have to date sold over 75 million records which includes over 24 platinum albums in the UK alone and over 15 million records in the United States. Black Sabbath were inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.

Black Sabbath were formed in Birmingham in 1968 by Ozzy Osbourne (lead vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums and percussion). Originally formed as a heavy blues-rock band named Earth, the band began incorporating occult and horror-inspired lyrics with tuned-down guitars, changing their name to Black Sabbath and releasing multiple gold and platinum records in the 1970s.
The Ultimate Collection is curated in conjunction with the band, the 31-track collection features the band’s classic songs including Paranoid, Iron Man, War Pigs, N.I.B. and The Wizard as well as choice cuts from their classic albums and is the definitive accompaniment for all Sabbath fans as well as those with a love of hard rock.
Remastered by renowned engineer Andy Pearce (Motörhead, Deep Purple, Lou Reed, Iggy & The Stooges), the Ultimate Collection is available in multiple formats. Alongside the 2-CD and digital/HD formats, a limited edition “Crucifold” edition will follow, a heavyweight 4 LP vinyl version produced in the shape of the cross.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 2010s, Compilation, Vertigo


lack Sabbath are arguably the most influential heavy metal band of all time. The band helped to create the genre with ground breaking releases such as Paranoid, an album that Rolling Stone magazine said "changed music forever", and called the band "the Beatles of heavy metal". Time Magazine called Paranoid "the birthplace of heavy metal".

The band, who have been performing for over 45 years, have to date sold over 75 million records which includes over 24 platinum albums in the UK alone and over 15 million records in the United States. Black Sabbath were inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.

Black Sabbath were formed in Birmingham in 1968 by Ozzy Osbourne (lead vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums and percussion). Originally formed as a heavy blues-rock band named Earth, the band began incorporating occult and horror-inspired lyrics with tuned-down guitars, changing their name to Black Sabbath and releasing multiple gold and platinum records in the 1970s.
The Ultimate Collection is curated in conjunction with the band, the 31-track collection features the band’s classic songs including Paranoid, Iron Man, War Pigs, N.I.B. and The Wizard as well as choice cuts from their classic albums and is the definitive accompaniment for all Sabbath fans as well as those with a love of hard rock.
Remastered by renowned engineer Andy Pearce (Motörhead, Deep Purple, Lou Reed, Iggy & The Stooges), the Ultimate Collection is available in multiple formats. Alongside the 2-CD and digital/HD formats, a limited edition “Crucifold” edition will follow, a heavyweight 4 LP vinyl version produced in the shape of the cross.

Album: The Best of Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath (2000)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Compilation

Description: The Best of Black Sabbath is a double CD compilation album by Black Sabbath released in 2000 on the Sanctuary Records label. Its 32 songs are presented chronologically from the band's first 11 albums, spanning the years 1970 to 1983. Black Sabbath's classic six album run, from 1970's debut Black Sabbath through 1975's Sabotage is celebrated with three to six songs from each album. Original vocalist Ozzy Osbourne's subsequent final two albums with the band, 1976's Technical Ecstasy and 1978's Never Say Die!, are represented by one and two songs, respectively. Replacement Ronnie James Dio's early 80's stint fronting the band on two albums is acknowledged with the title track of 1980's Heaven and Hell and a track from 1981's The Mob Rules. The compilation closes with a song from 1983's attempted rebirth, Born Again, former Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan's sole album with the band. The Best of Black Sabbath does not include any later material with vocalists Glenn Hughes (1986's Seventh Star), Tony Martin (1986–96) or the returning Dio (1992's Dehumanizer).

As this compilation album is released by a record label not associated with Black Sabbath or their management, it is not considered an official Black Sabbath release, and isn't in their official catalogue. There have been roughly half a dozen compilations released throughout Black Sabbath's career titled The Best of Black Sabbath. None of them are official band releases.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 2000s, Compilation, Vertigo

Additional Context: Rating score: 8. Based on 1 votes


The Best of Black Sabbath is a double CD compilation album by Black Sabbath released in 2000 on the Sanctuary Records label. Its 32 songs are presented chronologically from the band's first 11 albums, spanning the years 1970 to 1983. Black Sabbath's classic six album run, from 1970's debut Black Sabbath through 1975's Sabotage is celebrated with three to six songs from each album. Original vocalist Ozzy Osbourne's subsequent final two albums with the band, 1976's Technical Ecstasy and 1978's Never Say Die!, are represented by one and two songs, respectively. Replacement Ronnie James Dio's early 80's stint fronting the band on two albums is acknowledged with the title track of 1980's Heaven and Hell and a track from 1981's The Mob Rules. The compilation closes with a song from 1983's attempted rebirth, Born Again, former Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan's sole album with the band. The Best of Black Sabbath does not include any later material with vocalists Glenn Hughes (1986's Seventh Star), Tony Martin (1986–96) or the returning Dio (1992's Dehumanizer).

As this compilation album is released by a record label not associated with Black Sabbath or their management, it is not considered an official Black Sabbath release, and isn't in their official catalogue. There have been roughly half a dozen compilations released throughout Black Sabbath's career titled The Best of Black Sabbath. None of them are official band releases.

Album: 13 by Black Sabbath (2013)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Album

Description: There's a lot of pressure involved with being the rulers of the underworld, and nobody knows it better than Black Sabbath in 2013. Inarguable legends and at least partially responsible for creating heavy metal as we know it with their classic '60s and '70s material, Sabbath have spawned generations of followers and become one of the final words of the genre. There have been countless reunions and mutations of the band following vocalist Ozzy Osbourne's first dismissal in 1978, and even 13 doesn't quite deliver on fans' decades-long desires to see all four original members back together. Original drummer Bill Ward sits the record out due to disputes over the recording contract, with Audioslave/Rage Against the Machine drummer Brad Wilk providing beats in his stead. Despite this considerable absence, 13 comes closest to recapturing the desperate feel, plodding grooves, and unparalleled metal magic of those first classic Sabbath records than anything the members of the band have done since, in any permutation or combination of members. Kicking off with two sludgy tracks, each over eight minutes long, the Rick Rubin-produced 13 takes a few moments to get its legs. Once warmed up, however, each element falls somewhere between studied re-creation of the past and logical progression, be it Tony Iommi's spooky guitar tone, Ozzy's nasal howl, or the panic attack dynamics and sense of nuclear dread that made the moods of Sabotage and Vol. 4 so thick. Sharp tempo changes and caustic drop-tuned blues metal riffs make up tracks like "God Is Dead?" and the doomy "Age of Reason." Many of the album's eight tracks stretch past the seven-minute mark, full of heavy compositional shifting. The mellower acoustic track "Zeitgeist" rewrites the spacy "Planet Caravan" from 1969's Paranoid, revisiting the same cosmic motif of that song, complete with Iommi's most Django Reinhardt-influenced soloing. The lyrics, all penned by bassist Geezer Butler, are focused on internal religious and mental conflicts, with final track "Dear Father" tackling living with memories of abuse. The album is heavier, more precise, and more interesting than the past several decades of output from the bandmembers would suggest. Without fully replicating the energy of their untouchable first six records, Sabbath have risen to the unique challenge of not becoming self-caricatures, turning in something new while still reactivating the strengths of their younger days. The backwards-looking tendencies of 13 are something the band is fully aware of, as signified by the reappearance of rain and church bells sound effects on the last track, the same sounds that opened their first album in 1969. The influence of early Sabbath has become so omnipresent that it's come back to influence its very creators 40 years later, but the results are unexpectedly brilliant, apocalyptic, and essential for any die-hard metal fan.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 2010s, Album, Vertigo

Additional Context: Based on 5 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


There's a lot of pressure involved with being the rulers of the underworld, and nobody knows it better than Black Sabbath in 2013. Inarguable legends and at least partially responsible for creating heavy metal as we know it with their classic '60s and '70s material, Sabbath have spawned generations of followers and become one of the final words of the genre. There have been countless reunions and mutations of the band following vocalist Ozzy Osbourne's first dismissal in 1978, and even 13 doesn't quite deliver on fans' decades-long desires to see all four original members back together. Original drummer Bill Ward sits the record out due to disputes over the recording contract, with Audioslave/Rage Against the Machine drummer Brad Wilk providing beats in his stead. Despite this considerable absence, 13 comes closest to recapturing the desperate feel, plodding grooves, and unparalleled metal magic of those first classic Sabbath records than anything the members of the band have done since, in any permutation or combination of members. Kicking off with two sludgy tracks, each over eight minutes long, the Rick Rubin-produced 13 takes a few moments to get its legs. Once warmed up, however, each element falls somewhere between studied re-creation of the past and logical progression, be it Tony Iommi's spooky guitar tone, Ozzy's nasal howl, or the panic attack dynamics and sense of nuclear dread that made the moods of Sabotage and Vol. 4 so thick. Sharp tempo changes and caustic drop-tuned blues metal riffs make up tracks like "God Is Dead?" and the doomy "Age of Reason." Many of the album's eight tracks stretch past the seven-minute mark, full of heavy compositional shifting. The mellower acoustic track "Zeitgeist" rewrites the spacy "Planet Caravan" from 1969's Paranoid, revisiting the same cosmic motif of that song, complete with Iommi's most Django Reinhardt-influenced soloing. The lyrics, all penned by bassist Geezer Butler, are focused on internal religious and mental conflicts, with final track "Dear Father" tackling living with memories of abuse. The album is heavier, more precise, and more interesting than the past several decades of output from the bandmembers would suggest. Without fully replicating the energy of their untouchable first six records, Sabbath have risen to the unique challenge of not becoming self-caricatures, turning in something new while still reactivating the strengths of their younger days. The backwards-looking tendencies of 13 are something the band is fully aware of, as signified by the reappearance of rain and church bells sound effects on the last track, the same sounds that opened their first album in 1969. The influence of early Sabbath has become so omnipresent that it's come back to influence its very creators 40 years later, but the results are unexpectedly brilliant, apocalyptic, and essential for any die-hard metal fan.

Album: Tyr by Black Sabbath (1990)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Album

Description: Tyr is the fifteenth studio album by heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in August 1990 by I.R.S. Records.

The album title and several song titles are taken from Norse mythology, which led many to call Tyr a concept album, although bassist Neil Murray dispelled that in 2005, stating that while many of the songs may seem loosely related, very little of the album has to do with mythology and it was not intended to be a concept recording.

Týr is the son of Odin, the chief god in Norse mythology. He is the god of single combat and heroic glory, portrayed as a one-handed man. The usage of such analogies and mythology was a great departure from Headless Cross' descent into the Dark Side and the power of Satan.

This album represents possibly the most dramatic departure from Black Sabbath's traditional sound, with only traces of it found in the occasional riff. The production has been criticized by some (who claim Cozy Powell's drums drown out most of the other instruments) and praised by others, who note that this is one of Sabbath's heaviest albums and perhaps the most prominently reliant on keyboards by the perennial 5th member, Geoff Nicholls. As a result, much of the music is a lot darker than previous Sabbath works, closely resembling the previous album Headless Cross.

The band has stated that while they do not disown or regret the song "Feels Good to Me", it was put on the album solely to be released as a single and doesn't fit in musically with the rest of the record.

Geezer Butler, Ian Gillan and Brian May made guest appearances on the European leg of the Tyr tour; Butler and May appearing during the encore of the show performed on 8 September 1990 at the Hammersmith Odeon in London.

The runes on the cover are taken from the Rök Runestone in Sweden.

The only track to feature on post-Tyr tours was "Anno Mundi", e.g. on the Cross Purposes Live VHS/DVD.

Tony Martin re-recorded "Jerusalem" for his 1992 solo album Back Where I Belong.

The Black Sabbath lineup that recorded Tyr would reunite to record their last studio album, Forbidden, in 1995.

Frontman Heri Joensen of viking metal band Týr claims to have been influenced by the album cover when designing his own band's logo.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1990s, Album, Vertigo

Additional Context: Based on 2 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Tyr is the fifteenth studio album by heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in August 1990 by I.R.S. Records.

The album title and several song titles are taken from Norse mythology, which led many to call Tyr a concept album, although bassist Neil Murray dispelled that in 2005, stating that while many of the songs may seem loosely related, very little of the album has to do with mythology and it was not intended to be a concept recording.

Týr is the son of Odin, the chief god in Norse mythology. He is the god of single combat and heroic glory, portrayed as a one-handed man. The usage of such analogies and mythology was a great departure from Headless Cross' descent into the Dark Side and the power of Satan.

This album represents possibly the most dramatic departure from Black Sabbath's traditional sound, with only traces of it found in the occasional riff. The production has been criticized by some (who claim Cozy Powell's drums drown out most of the other instruments) and praised by others, who note that this is one of Sabbath's heaviest albums and perhaps the most prominently reliant on keyboards by the perennial 5th member, Geoff Nicholls. As a result, much of the music is a lot darker than previous Sabbath works, closely resembling the previous album Headless Cross.

The band has stated that while they do not disown or regret the song "Feels Good to Me", it was put on the album solely to be released as a single and doesn't fit in musically with the rest of the record.

Geezer Butler, Ian Gillan and Brian May made guest appearances on the European leg of the Tyr tour; Butler and May appearing during the encore of the show performed on 8 September 1990 at the Hammersmith Odeon in London.

The runes on the cover are taken from the Rök Runestone in Sweden.

The only track to feature on post-Tyr tours was "Anno Mundi", e.g. on the Cross Purposes Live VHS/DVD.

Tony Martin re-recorded "Jerusalem" for his 1992 solo album Back Where I Belong.

The Black Sabbath lineup that recorded Tyr would reunite to record their last studio album, Forbidden, in 1995.

Frontman Heri Joensen of viking metal band Týr claims to have been influenced by the album cover when designing his own band's logo.

Album: Live... Gathered in Their Masses by Black Sabbath (2013)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Live

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 2010s, Live, Vertigo


Album: Seventh Star by Black Sabbath (1986)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Album

Description: Seventh Star is the twelfth studio album by Black Sabbath, released in January 1986.

It was originally written, recorded, and intended to be the first solo album by guitarist Tony Iommi, but due to pressures by Warner Bros. Records and the prompting of band manager Don Arden, the record was billed as Black Sabbath featuring Tony Iommi. Glenn Hughes, ex-Deep Purple bassist and vocalist, was lead singer but did not play bass on this release.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1980s, Album, Vertigo

Additional Context: Rating score: 6. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Seventh Star is the twelfth studio album by Black Sabbath, released in January 1986.

It was originally written, recorded, and intended to be the first solo album by guitarist Tony Iommi, but due to pressures by Warner Bros. Records and the prompting of band manager Don Arden, the record was billed as Black Sabbath featuring Tony Iommi. Glenn Hughes, ex-Deep Purple bassist and vocalist, was lead singer but did not play bass on this release.

Album: Live Evil by Black Sabbath (1982)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Live

Description: Live Evil, released in December 1982 (see 1982 in music) and in January 1983 in the UK, is the first "official" live album by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, the previously released Live at Last (1980) not having been sanctioned by the band. It was recorded with Ronnie James Dio singing and is a document of the Mob Rules World Tour, that ran from 15 November 1981 to 13 August 1982. The 2007 limited-edition release Live at Hammersmith Odeon is from this same tour.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1980s, Live, Vertigo


Live Evil, released in December 1982 (see 1982 in music) and in January 1983 in the UK, is the first "official" live album by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, the previously released Live at Last (1980) not having been sanctioned by the band. It was recorded with Ronnie James Dio singing and is a document of the Mob Rules World Tour, that ran from 15 November 1981 to 13 August 1982. The 2007 limited-edition release Live at Hammersmith Odeon is from this same tour.

Album: Reunion by Black Sabbath (1998)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Live

Description: Reunion is a live album by heavy metal band Black Sabbath.

Original vocalist Ozzy Osbourne was fired from Black Sabbath in 1979. Following a couple of one-off reunions in 1985 and 1992, the original Sabbath line-up of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward reformed, playing sporadic dates until Dio replaced Ozzy a second time, reforming the Heaven and Hell lineup to tour following the release of the compilation album The Dio Years.

This 2-CD live album was put together from the first two shows after the reunion, at the Birmingham NEC. Along with live versions of tracks such as "Paranoid", "N.I.B.", "Black Sabbath" and "Iron Man", it also features two new studio tracks - "Selling My Soul" and "Psycho Man". This was the only new material to have been officially released by Black Sabbath post-reunion until three new tracks appeared on the post-Ozzy compilation Black Sabbath: The Dio Years in 2007. The two new tracks on Reunion were also released on a single CD in the USA.

Black Sabbath received their only Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance, for the live recording of "Iron Man" from this album.

It was released as a digipak and in a standard 2CD jewel-case.
Though the band was considered a legend by this time, this was the first "official" live album featuring Osbourne on vocals. 1980's Live at Last was not approved for release by the band until 2002.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1990s, Live, Vertigo


Reunion is a live album by heavy metal band Black Sabbath.

Original vocalist Ozzy Osbourne was fired from Black Sabbath in 1979. Following a couple of one-off reunions in 1985 and 1992, the original Sabbath line-up of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward reformed, playing sporadic dates until Dio replaced Ozzy a second time, reforming the Heaven and Hell lineup to tour following the release of the compilation album The Dio Years.

This 2-CD live album was put together from the first two shows after the reunion, at the Birmingham NEC. Along with live versions of tracks such as "Paranoid", "N.I.B.", "Black Sabbath" and "Iron Man", it also features two new studio tracks - "Selling My Soul" and "Psycho Man". This was the only new material to have been officially released by Black Sabbath post-reunion until three new tracks appeared on the post-Ozzy compilation Black Sabbath: The Dio Years in 2007. The two new tracks on Reunion were also released on a single CD in the USA.

Black Sabbath received their only Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance, for the live recording of "Iron Man" from this album.

It was released as a digipak and in a standard 2CD jewel-case.
Though the band was considered a legend by this time, this was the first "official" live album featuring Osbourne on vocals. 1980's Live at Last was not approved for release by the band until 2002.

Album: Cross Purposes Live by Black Sabbath (1995)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Live

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1990s, Live, Vertigo


Album: John Peel's Sunday Show Radio Session by Black Sabbath (1970)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Live

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, 1970s, Live, Vertigo


Album: Greatest Hits by Black Sabbath (2009)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Compilation

Description: Greatest Hits is a compilation album from Black Sabbath, released by Universal in 2009.

This album features only the original line-up of Black Sabbath with most of the albums Ozzy Osbourne worked on presented. This compilation features songs from 1970's self-titled debut album to Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, as well as one song from Never Say Die!.

This compilations used the same masters from the Universal 2009 album remasters.
A similar compilation of the same name was released outside North America by NEMS Records in 1977.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 2000s, Compilation, Vertigo


Greatest Hits is a compilation album from Black Sabbath, released by Universal in 2009.

This album features only the original line-up of Black Sabbath with most of the albums Ozzy Osbourne worked on presented. This compilation features songs from 1970's self-titled debut album to Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, as well as one song from Never Say Die!.

This compilations used the same masters from the Universal 2009 album remasters.
A similar compilation of the same name was released outside North America by NEMS Records in 1977.

Album: Between Heaven and Hell by Black Sabbath (1995)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Compilation

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1990s, Compilation, Vertigo


Album: Live at Last by Black Sabbath (1980)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Live

Description: Live at Last is a live album by Black Sabbath. Despite its wide distribution, it was released without any permission or knowledge from the band, and is thus considered "unofficial" in some quarters; however, the release was legal.

The vinyl version and the first CD issue feature the spoken intro of, 'Will you welcome... BLACK SABBATH!' which, oddly, would be edited from the remaster and Past Lives. It should also be noted that the remaster was not a remix and there is no apparent audio difference between that and the original issues.

In the US it was available only as an import. The album was included when the Sabbath albums were issued on CD in Europe by Castle Communications in 1986 and again in remastered and repackaged form in the label's 1996 Remaster series. The most recent re-release was in 2010, by Universal Records in Europe.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1980s, Live, Vertigo


Live at Last is a live album by Black Sabbath. Despite its wide distribution, it was released without any permission or knowledge from the band, and is thus considered "unofficial" in some quarters; however, the release was legal.

The vinyl version and the first CD issue feature the spoken intro of, 'Will you welcome... BLACK SABBATH!' which, oddly, would be edited from the remaster and Past Lives. It should also be noted that the remaster was not a remix and there is no apparent audio difference between that and the original issues.

In the US it was available only as an import. The album was included when the Sabbath albums were issued on CD in Europe by Castle Communications in 1986 and again in remastered and repackaged form in the label's 1996 Remaster series. The most recent re-release was in 2010, by Universal Records in Europe.

Album: Greatest Hits 1970–1978 by Black Sabbath (2006)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Compilation

Description: Greatest Hits 1970–1978 is a compilation album from Black Sabbath, released in 2006.

This album features only the original line-up of Black Sabbath with all the albums Ozzy Osbourne worked on presented. This compilation features songs from 1970's self-titled debut album to Never Say Die!.

The album debuted on the Billboard 200 album chart on 1 April 2006 at number 96. It spent 10 weeks on the chart.

It was released to coincide with the band's induction into the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 2000s, Compilation, Vertigo


Greatest Hits 1970–1978 is a compilation album from Black Sabbath, released in 2006.

This album features only the original line-up of Black Sabbath with all the albums Ozzy Osbourne worked on presented. This compilation features songs from 1970's self-titled debut album to Never Say Die!.

The album debuted on the Billboard 200 album chart on 1 April 2006 at number 96. It spent 10 weeks on the chart.

It was released to coincide with the band's induction into the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Album: Live at Hammersmith Odeon by Black Sabbath (2007)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Live

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 2000s, Live, Vertigo


Album: Symptom of the Universe: 1970–1978 by Black Sabbath (2002)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Rhino
Format: Compilation

Description: Symptom of the Universe: The Original Black Sabbath 1970–1978 is a compilation album released by heavy metal band Black Sabbath in 2002.

All songs have been remastered for this compilation. The Black Box set, which was released in 2004, contained versions of the band's first eight albums remastered during the same sessions as this compilation.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Epic, 2000s, Compilation, Rhino


Symptom of the Universe: The Original Black Sabbath 1970–1978 is a compilation album released by heavy metal band Black Sabbath in 2002.

All songs have been remastered for this compilation. The Black Box set, which was released in 2004, contained versions of the band's first eight albums remastered during the same sessions as this compilation.

Album: Past Lives by Black Sabbath (2002)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Live

Description: Past Lives is a live album released in 2002 by Black Sabbath. It peaked at number 114 on the Billboard 200. The first disc was previously known as Live at Last, an album not put out by Black Sabbath's record company, and therefore not an official Black Sabbath album. The second consists of recordings made for television and radio, previously only available on bootlegs.

According to the back cover of the 2010 reissue of the album: DISC ONE: Recorded in Manchester and at the Rainbow Theatre in London 1973. Apparently the date of this show was the 16th of March 1973.

Tracks CD2: 2-4 were recorded at Asbury Park Convention Hall in Asbury Park, New Jersey on 5. August 1975. The whole concert was recorded by King Biscuit and this was originally to be the release, titled "Live In '75" when mentioned in several magazine articles giving advance notice, before it became Past Lives.

Tracks CD2: 1, and 5-9 were recorded at the Olympia Theatre in Paris, France on 19. December 1970.


It was released as a digipak and later a standard jewel-case.

Liner notes for the C.D.'s booklet were written by Bruce Pilato.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 2000s, Live, Vertigo


Past Lives is a live album released in 2002 by Black Sabbath. It peaked at number 114 on the Billboard 200. The first disc was previously known as Live at Last, an album not put out by Black Sabbath's record company, and therefore not an official Black Sabbath album. The second consists of recordings made for television and radio, previously only available on bootlegs.

According to the back cover of the 2010 reissue of the album: DISC ONE: Recorded in Manchester and at the Rainbow Theatre in London 1973. Apparently the date of this show was the 16th of March 1973.

Tracks CD2: 2-4 were recorded at Asbury Park Convention Hall in Asbury Park, New Jersey on 5. August 1975. The whole concert was recorded by King Biscuit and this was originally to be the release, titled "Live In '75" when mentioned in several magazine articles giving advance notice, before it became Past Lives.

Tracks CD2: 1, and 5-9 were recorded at the Olympia Theatre in Paris, France on 19. December 1970.


It was released as a digipak and later a standard jewel-case.

Liner notes for the C.D.'s booklet were written by Bruce Pilato.

Album: Mob Rules by Black Sabbath (1981)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Album

Description: Mob Rules is Black Sabbath's tenth studio album, released in November 1981. It peaked at number 29 on the U.S. charts. This is the last album to feature Ronnie James Dio until the 1992 album Dehumanizer.
In the UK, it became the fourth Black Sabbath studio-album to attain Silver certification (60,000 units sold) by the British Phonographic Industry, achieving this in February 1982.It was the first album to feature Vinny Appice on drums, who had replaced original member Bill Ward in the middle of the tour in support of the previous year's Heaven and Hell.
The cover art is a modified version of artist Greg Hildebrandt's piece entitled Dream 1: Crucifiers from 1971, with Black Sabbath licensing its use for the cover of Mob Rules. The original artwork has been augmented for the album, where not only have the band and album names been conspicuously added to the back wall, but also the hook hanging on the left side of the structure was changed to a crucifix, and the stain in the middle of the structure has been altered to resemble a devil's head. Lastly, Greg Hildebrandt's name has been added to the bottom center of the piece, as the original was rectangular in shape with the artist's name and year in the lower left corner, thus being truncated in the album's square presentation. The lyrical themes are dark, notably on tracks such as "The Sign of the Southern Cross" and "Falling Off the Edge of the World".
The Live Evil album was recorded on the Mob Rules tour. The album is included in the Black Sabbath box set The Rules of Hell. The Mob Rules lineup toured under the name Heaven & Hell from 2006 until Ronnie James Dio's death in 2010. Their only album, The Devil You Know, was released in 2009.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1980s, Album, Vertigo

Additional Context: Rating score: 5. Based on 2 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Mob Rules is Black Sabbath's tenth studio album, released in November 1981. It peaked at number 29 on the U.S. charts. This is the last album to feature Ronnie James Dio until the 1992 album Dehumanizer.
In the UK, it became the fourth Black Sabbath studio-album to attain Silver certification (60,000 units sold) by the British Phonographic Industry, achieving this in February 1982.It was the first album to feature Vinny Appice on drums, who had replaced original member Bill Ward in the middle of the tour in support of the previous year's Heaven and Hell.
The cover art is a modified version of artist Greg Hildebrandt's piece entitled Dream 1: Crucifiers from 1971, with Black Sabbath licensing its use for the cover of Mob Rules. The original artwork has been augmented for the album, where not only have the band and album names been conspicuously added to the back wall, but also the hook hanging on the left side of the structure was changed to a crucifix, and the stain in the middle of the structure has been altered to resemble a devil's head. Lastly, Greg Hildebrandt's name has been added to the bottom center of the piece, as the original was rectangular in shape with the artist's name and year in the lower left corner, thus being truncated in the album's square presentation. The lyrical themes are dark, notably on tracks such as "The Sign of the Southern Cross" and "Falling Off the Edge of the World".
The Live Evil album was recorded on the Mob Rules tour. The album is included in the Black Sabbath box set The Rules of Hell. The Mob Rules lineup toured under the name Heaven & Hell from 2006 until Ronnie James Dio's death in 2010. Their only album, The Devil You Know, was released in 2009.

Album: We Sold Our Soul for Rock 'n' Roll by Black Sabbath (1975)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: Compilation

Description: We Sold Our Soul for Rock 'n' Roll is a compilation album by Black Sabbath, originally released on 1 December 1975 in the UK and then on 3 February 1976 in the U.S.When Black Sabbath signed with NEMS, the label which would release their 1975 album Sabotage in the UK and Europe, NEMS acquired the band's back catalogue and wasted little time compiling this release. Although the band had six studio albums to its name at this point, this compilation drew heavily on the first four albums: this would also be a feature of most of the Osbourne-era compilations later released.
The original UK gatefold album, with a matte finish, had centre pages featuring shots of the band but this was omitted on reissues, which came in a glossy-finish sleeve. Additionally, the original record retained Geezer Butler's bass solo before "N.I.B.", but this would be edited from later issues. Some U.S. copies of the LP do not actually include "Wicked World" on the label or on the record itself, though it does appear on the cover. In the UK, "Wicked World" had been only a B-side and was relatively obscure.
Despite the album being an official release, Iommi has been quoted as saying that the first time the band knew of it was when asked to autograph copies which fans presented after concerts.

Artist Background: Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979 and Iommi is the only constant member throughout their history. After previous ... Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Judas Priest

Music Scene: Part of the Birmingham, England music scene. Emerged in the 1960s era. Associated with Heavy Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Metal, Epic, 1970s, Compilation, Vertigo


We Sold Our Soul for Rock 'n' Roll is a compilation album by Black Sabbath, originally released on 1 December 1975 in the UK and then on 3 February 1976 in the U.S.When Black Sabbath signed with NEMS, the label which would release their 1975 album Sabotage in the UK and Europe, NEMS acquired the band's back catalogue and wasted little time compiling this release. Although the band had six studio albums to its name at this point, this compilation drew heavily on the first four albums: this would also be a feature of most of the Osbourne-era compilations later released.
The original UK gatefold album, with a matte finish, had centre pages featuring shots of the band but this was omitted on reissues, which came in a glossy-finish sleeve. Additionally, the original record retained Geezer Butler's bass solo before "N.I.B.", but this would be edited from later issues. Some U.S. copies of the LP do not actually include "Wicked World" on the label or on the record itself, though it does appear on the cover. In the UK, "Wicked World" had been only a B-side and was relatively obscure.
Despite the album being an official release, Iommi has been quoted as saying that the first time the band knew of it was when asked to autograph copies which fans presented after concerts.

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