Review Summary: The Definitive Doom Metal Record
Black Sabbath are the most influential band in the history of metal, and this album alone can cement their status as one of the greatest groups to ever grace the earth with their presence, and they're certainly the greatest gift sent from hell (or is it heaven? You'll see what I mean in a bit). This album is one of the most important albums of all time, and not only is it super influential, but it is definitely Sabbath at their peak, the band is very tight here and working together where every part adds up to a majestical sum, every note coming out of Iommi's guitar strums, Geezer Butler's bass wizardry, and Ward's genius jazz-trained drumming lifts you to a higher plane, enlightening you with some of the finest blues-tinged compositions known to man.
Every song on here is good, even the interludes. "Solitude" is perhaps the standout of the tracks, at least in terms of the arrangement. It is such a different-sounding song than anything they have made up to this point, with Iommi flexing his insane talent at playing multiple instruments. The song features a complex yet memorable structure taking use of him playing flute, piano, and guitar while for vocals Ozzy demonstrates he can indeed master the art of singing, his voice sounds almost like a completely different person and it is mind-blowing. The lyricism is beautiful and hits hard for anyone who has gone through relationship issues. If anything, it really makes me wish Ozzy explored his lower range more often, and sang like this.
"Into The Void" is a complete eargasm with some of the best basslines ever written and Bill Ward's drumming really shines through with lyrics contemplating a doomy future, even to this day as of 2024 the lyrics really stay relevant. Humanity could indeed perish due to their own stupidity and abuse of knowledge with nuclear weaponry or whatever. Apparently, this was one of the hardest songs for Bill Ward to do, and took many takes to get it right; he was about ready to give up on it! That's something I'd of never expected considering how perfectly timed it is on the finished track.
Now moving onto something you'd never expect from a band known for their gloomy, apocalyptic vision, you've got some...Christian themes?! "Lord of This World" is a masterpiece that taps into Sabbath's more Christian side which shocked critics back when the album first released, after all this band was the epitome of everything evil, a band that was labeled as unleashing satanism into the world. But were they really? Shockingly, most members are indeed members of the Catholic belief and the song has some absolute master riff-work, "After Forever" is another great song highlighting Iommi's ability to write lyrics that are on par with Butler's, being another Christian-themed one.
Finishing things off, you have the two big-hitters, "Children of The Grave" demonstrates Bill Ward's great ability to change tempo whenever he wants during any song and master using the complete drumkit in a single song as well, something that doesn't get done too often. The lyrics fit in with the protest of the punk movement that came later on as well. "Sweet Leaf" has a great example of tape manipulation with the ironic use of a clip of Iommi coughing after smoking, which the band used on their delightful ode to their green friend. "Embryo" and "Orchid" are simply phenomenal tracks on their own too, despite being mere interludes.
This is an album you can play at any time and not help but be entertained by the band's effortless ability to craft amazing music nonstop, and these guys were coming out with masterpieces left and right at insane speeds, we're talking Zeppelin, Beatles, Bowie speed even. This is one of
THE BEST ALBUMS AND MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL TIME, had a big hand in the creation of doom metal and stoner rock, and would be their best if it weren't for the one they released in 1973.
Track by Track:
1. Sweet Leaf: ★★★★★
2. After Forever: ★★★★★
3. Embryo: ★★★
4. Children of the Grave: ★★★★★
5. Orchid: ★★★★
6. Lord of This World: ★★★★★
7. Solitude: ★★★★★
8. Into The Void: ★★★★★ 🎖️
