On February 13, 1970 Black Sabbath released their momentous debut album, spawning a new sound that was unfathomable during the scene of the 60’s. The only other LP that was comparable to Sabbath at the time was Led Zeppelin‘s first record, released one year prior. However, Sabbath introduced a new twist on the contemporary tone of Zeppelin, creating something more sinister than any listener could’ve prepared for. Making full use of the band’s blues influence, it served as a major component when launching their unique breed of hard rock.
At the time, many people were more frightened of Black Sabbath rather than impressed by it. It was asking quite a lot to have the audience indulge in music made in the shadow of horror and mythology. Yet, the reception was primarily positive due to the album’s number eight position on the UK charts.
Although very different from the standard rock icons of the era, an overall majority were joining the Black Sabbath frenzy and the fan base would soon spread overseas.
The world was getting its first glimpse of a lineup unlike any other before. Ozzy Osbourne presented himself as a menacing front man with every disturbing lyric spoken through his uncanny vocals. Tony Iommi played ominous blues guitar with solos surpassing the skill of his competition such as Cream and Vanilla Fudge. The chemistry between Geezer Butler and Bill Ward is arguably one of the most combative rhythm sections in rock history, producing the most aggressive, pulse pounding tempos ever.
The opening track proved to be the start of a new chapter in rock music. The sheer feeling of Satan reigning hell upon the world would go on to set the standard that Sabbath had wanted to center their entire career on. A legion of sub-genres and other acts would soon follow in the footsteps of this self-titled number.
Since the date of release and onward, the music scene has been impacted further.
Right after the groundbreaking constitution of Led Zeppelin, Sabbath‘s contribution set additional standards on top of the ones just discovered a year earlier. Nothing prior had ever sounded so evil and equally as threatening.
Full of fan favorites back-to-back, this LP is a dark piece of innovation with raw talent driving it through and through. Tunes such as The Wizard, Behind The Wall Of Sleep and N.I.B. were just the starter kit for Sabbath‘s catalog. Devilish vocals across each track with notable solos that made Iommi seem like British Jimi Hendrix. Wicked World and Warning in particular possess progressive guitar solos with mind boggling speed and technique in full display.
Sabbath forged an unprecedented level of darkness and heaviness, and established themselves as the founders of Heavy Metal. Everything that came after is history…
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