Self-titled Black Sabbath album

A historic album, the debut album by Black Sabbath, released in 1970, the fusion of psychedelia and heavy metal that would influence numerous bands with its slow and haunting rhythms and a horror atmosphere that can be found in many genres, especially in doom metal of which Black Sabbath are considered forerunners. I really like the definition (even if a bit bold) that we helped define as "the darkest side of progressive rock".

 

An album that was heavily criticized at the time but has rightly become a classic, a seminal record with its unmistakable sound, perhaps one of the first albums defined as "heavy metal".

 

The album introduced a darkness never seen before in rock, with occult themes and the innovative and spectral sound of Tony Iommi's guitar.

 

It contains the track Black Sabbath, whose main riff is still one of the band's most famous today.

It seems that the album was recorded in a single 12-hour session on October 16, 1969, playing live, while Ozzy sang in a soundproof booth, all without ever repeating a single part of the album.

 

The cover of the 1970 album is legendary, also mentioned in the book "Black Sabbath: Sabotage!", in which Bill Ward says: «None of us liked the inner cover – not at all. Because there was an inverted cross. In my opinion, it was some know-it-all, or someone who put it there on purpose as a promotional strategy, or who seriously misunderstood the band. At that time there was no collaboration between us and those who took care of the graphics, I don't even know who made it; but I suppose someone thought it would be a good idea, that somehow it would represent us».

 

I listen to it from time to time so I don't forget where much of the music I listen to comes from. Masterpiece.

 

Tracklist

1. Black Sabbath (6:22)
2. The Wizard (4:25)
3. Behind The Wall Of Sleep (3:37)
4. N.I.B. (6:07)
5. Evil Woman, Don't Play Your Games With Me (Crow cover) (3:27)
6. Sleeping Village (3:46)
7. Warning (Ansley Dunbar's Retaliation cover) (10:33)

Duration 38:17

LineUp

- Ozzy Osbourne - vocals, harmonica (2)
- Tony Iommi - lead guitar, keyboards
- Geezer Butler - bass
- Bill Ward - drums

With:
- Rodger Bain - producer, jew's harp (6 - not confirmed)

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