For Week Ending:
3 February 2024

Black Sabbath - Heaven And Hell (1980)

[Heavy Metal]

To say the least, 'Heaven And Hell' is a masterpiece. Generally classic heavy metal albums use verbs like 'brutal' or 'fast' or 'angry' to describe them, but none of those words ring true here. The album is a thing of beauty, full of winding harmonies and stellar musicianship - a work of art that will stand for all time as a reflection of the pinnacle of heavy music of the period. With Ozzy Osbourne and his drink and drug fuelled unpredictability jettisoned for the final time, the band knew that survival would rely on them rebuilding from the ground up into something far more streamlined and modern. They had stretched their wings on the previous two albums (reasonably unsuccessfully), and now was the time to find the Black Sabbath for a new decade. A key part of this renewal would be finding the right vocalist, and Ronnie James Dio - having recently exited Richie Blackmore's Rainbow - was the perfect choice. For many fans, the voice of Osbourne was a defining piece of the band's identity, so by replacing that voice with someone infinitely more talented and professional required music that matched. The songs are sleek and full of melodies never heard before on a Sabbath album, and the production is smooth as silk - really allowing the songs to shine. Dio's vocals are sublime throughout, and he launches songs like 'Children Of The Sea' and 'Die Young' toward places Osbourne, with his limited range, would not have even dreamt of. The vocals on the title track are transcendent, not to mention the incredible solo by Tony Iommi - one of the greatest ever committed to tape. This was more than just a new album, it was an announcement of what the 1980s had in store for heavy music. The band would never make an album as good as this again, and some would say it even bettered anything they had released preceding it.

Arist Information
Black Sabbath were an English heavy rock band formed in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal, as they distinguished themselves through occult themes with horror-inspired lyrics and down-tuned guitars. The defined the genre with their early albums. Following Osbourne's departure in 1979, the band underwent multiple line-up changes, with Iommi being the only constant member throughout their history. Black Sabbath have sold over 70 million records worldwide, making them one of the most commercially successful heavy metal bands.

Release Information
'Heaven And Hell' is the ninth studio album by Black Sabbath. It was the first album to feature vocalist Ronnie James Dio, who replaced original vocalist Ozzy Osbourne in 1979. The album was a commercial success, particularly in the United States, where it reached number 28 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified platinum for one million sales. In the U.K. it sold well enough to be certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry in April 1982.

Nailbomb - Point Blank (1994)

[Thrash Metal]

After being reminded this past week that this band was listed in the one hit wonders for a metal album list, I decided to re-acquaint myself with the release. 30 years on from this release, we know Max Cavalera of Sepultura fame has a penchant for calling up members of other bands and asking then to collaborate with him. Of all bands, he asked Alex Newport from Fudge Tunnel (yes, "who?" do I hear you say). Despite the graphic cover picture for the album, this turned out to be an enjoyable listen. Taking on a very industrial/military sound, the guitars were tuned down, the drumming was abrasive and for the most part had the general sounds any metalhead would enjoy. I say most, as unlike other bands or albums that start with some killer songs and may decline in quality as the tracks continue, for me, this one is the opposite. I actually think the first 2 songs are nothing to get excited about. From there onwards, we get to understand what the band were trying to achieve. Adding in the somewhat trend at the time of a hidden track on the last track and I really enjoyed a listen after such a long time.