Classic Rock Album of the Day- Black Sabbath- Master or Reality (1971) ****
As a youngster, this band was my favorite. The band who pretty much invented the heavy metal genre, started their career with two albums.. Self Titled, and Paranoid that more than anything established not really what I would call schtick, but it was configured more to introduce their ultimately innovative sound, that sounded like no one else previously. I liked the albums, but with the more macabre feel, I thought they were not actually exercising their song writing expertise, as well as they would in the 3rd and 4th albums.
With Master of Reality and Volume 4 (previously reviewed), you have reached the golden era and apex of Sabbath greatness. All three on instrument, Iommi, Ward, and Butler after these 4 LPs had cemented their legendary status. In fact it is pretty much a given that the music world considers Tony Iommi as the inventor of the metal heavy riff. And as far as Geezer Butler, only Entwistle could claim more thundering Bass Lines.
In many ways Master and Volume 4 are very similar in how they are delivered and structured. These two also start the foray of how the band shows their admiration for drugs. Which in my opinion is why after these two, you see a definite drop off in album quality in the band.. Don't get me wrong 1973 and later Sabbath had plenty of great tunes,but none of them approached the 3rd and 4th and far as depth, quality, and lack of filler. And it is also very evident too, that Osborne's voice is stronger and crisper than anything he did in the future.
In many ways the album buying public agreed too, as this is highest charting album (minus nostalgic recent adds), No.8. But in my POV Master and Vol IV. are almost conceptually the same in content direction, and feel. And they are masterpieces.
Fun Fact: No Black Sabbath song ever broke the Top 50 in the U.S as a single. Highest charting tune by the band was Iron Man in 1971.
Side 1-
------------
Sweet Leaf- Band's ode to herb. Song's opening supposed is Iommi coughing after a toke. Fantastic thundering riff that even in its repetition, comes across epicly heavy. This had such a heavier sound than even Paranoid, and the listeners will find the treats keep giving. Iommi and Butler give a fine clinic of how new heavy metal will be. Excellent. 2
After Forever- Another metal classic. Yep folks, no filler. This album not only redefined the band's edge, but the add of christianity was head scratching after so many of us thought their aura was towards the evil side. 3
Embryo- Short instrumental ditty that has an obvious medieval feel. Strange turn in style but it augments the album wonderfully. 8
Children of the Grave- Another unique turn, with a move to the macabre. I find Ward's percussive reverb very innovative and unique. Song itself was a fan favorite at albums. But kind of middle of the road in my opinion. 5
Side 2-
------------
Orchid- Another instrumental that is very nicely done by Iommi. Yeah he was the King of Heavy Metal Ax, but songs like this one just show his absolute versatility. Nothing outstanding, but the acoustics are almost haunting in how they fit in with the theme of the LP. 6
Lord Of This World- The purist may diss Sabbath for their over use of 200 measures of repetitive riffing, but in my book this just ices down the style and persona of the Band. No one sounded even close to this great band. 4
Solitude- The fact the band contributed 3 soft songs, and this particular ballad has an aura of contrast, it just solidifies how versatile and talented these guys are. 7
Into The Void- Spectacular ending and a tune that hits the listener like a 2 x 4 to the head. Instrumentally, maybe the most coherent chaos on the entire LP. Man do they ever gel. 1
As a youngster, this band was my favorite. The band who pretty much invented the heavy metal genre, started their career with two albums.. Self Titled, and Paranoid that more than anything established not really what I would call schtick, but it was configured more to introduce their ultimately innovative sound, that sounded like no one else previously. I liked the albums, but with the more macabre feel, I thought they were not actually exercising their song writing expertise, as well as they would in the 3rd and 4th albums.
With Master of Reality and Volume 4 (previously reviewed), you have reached the golden era and apex of Sabbath greatness. All three on instrument, Iommi, Ward, and Butler after these 4 LPs had cemented their legendary status. In fact it is pretty much a given that the music world considers Tony Iommi as the inventor of the metal heavy riff. And as far as Geezer Butler, only Entwistle could claim more thundering Bass Lines.
In many ways Master and Volume 4 are very similar in how they are delivered and structured. These two also start the foray of how the band shows their admiration for drugs. Which in my opinion is why after these two, you see a definite drop off in album quality in the band.. Don't get me wrong 1973 and later Sabbath had plenty of great tunes,but none of them approached the 3rd and 4th and far as depth, quality, and lack of filler. And it is also very evident too, that Osborne's voice is stronger and crisper than anything he did in the future.
In many ways the album buying public agreed too, as this is highest charting album (minus nostalgic recent adds), No.8. But in my POV Master and Vol IV. are almost conceptually the same in content direction, and feel. And they are masterpieces.
Fun Fact: No Black Sabbath song ever broke the Top 50 in the U.S as a single. Highest charting tune by the band was Iron Man in 1971.
Side 1-
------------
Sweet Leaf- Band's ode to herb. Song's opening supposed is Iommi coughing after a toke. Fantastic thundering riff that even in its repetition, comes across epicly heavy. This had such a heavier sound than even Paranoid, and the listeners will find the treats keep giving. Iommi and Butler give a fine clinic of how new heavy metal will be. Excellent. 2
After Forever- Another metal classic. Yep folks, no filler. This album not only redefined the band's edge, but the add of christianity was head scratching after so many of us thought their aura was towards the evil side. 3
Embryo- Short instrumental ditty that has an obvious medieval feel. Strange turn in style but it augments the album wonderfully. 8
Children of the Grave- Another unique turn, with a move to the macabre. I find Ward's percussive reverb very innovative and unique. Song itself was a fan favorite at albums. But kind of middle of the road in my opinion. 5
Side 2-
------------
Orchid- Another instrumental that is very nicely done by Iommi. Yeah he was the King of Heavy Metal Ax, but songs like this one just show his absolute versatility. Nothing outstanding, but the acoustics are almost haunting in how they fit in with the theme of the LP. 6
Lord Of This World- The purist may diss Sabbath for their over use of 200 measures of repetitive riffing, but in my book this just ices down the style and persona of the Band. No one sounded even close to this great band. 4
Solitude- The fact the band contributed 3 soft songs, and this particular ballad has an aura of contrast, it just solidifies how versatile and talented these guys are. 7
Into The Void- Spectacular ending and a tune that hits the listener like a 2 x 4 to the head. Instrumentally, maybe the most coherent chaos on the entire LP. Man do they ever gel. 1
