Black Sabbath’s eponymous debut is a classic. This is the start proper of Heavy Metal music because Sabbath were the first Heavy Metal band although this album was probably intended to be a heavy blues rock album. The purity of the metal would come on the following albums.
The opening title track is archetypal Sabbath. Spooky and mysterious from the off with its thunderstorm opening heralding the onslaught of Tony Iommi’s tombstone riffing, which cleaves through the air like Thor’s hammer. Ozzy’s vocals are doom laden and Hammer Horror is duly evoked. Then, part way through, both the riff and pace change and Iommi delivers the first of many blistering solos.
Ozzy blows the harp on The Wizard, a heavy blues rocker driven by Bill Ward’s dynamic and inventive drumming and Iommi’s staccato guitar. Reminds me of being on Alderley Edge.
Nativity In Black opens with Geezer Butler’s iconic bass solo and humungous riff. Like the opening track it is a metal classic, head-banging heaven, that remained part of the band’s set until the End, which I was privileged to attend.
Evil Woman is virtually a pop song.
Sleeping Village is basically Mr Iommi trying out riffs for size (I wonder if Golden Earring took inspiration from one of them?) and The Warning is an opportunity for him to really show off.
The albums production is so basic but you can hear everything and appreciate the musicianship.
The lyrics are hokum and Geez is no Neil Peart but he has his moments. I was a Sword and Sorcery and Horror fan so I have no issue with them and they helped to give Sabbath an identity.
Sabbath refined their craft and music as they progressed from album to album but their debut remains on of my favourite albums. I love it.
9/10
