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Reviewed:
  1. Black Sabbath (1970)
  2. Master of Reality (1971)
Remarks:

Country: UK

Black Sabbath (1970, Warner)

The first and only original heavy metal album that started it all. This is where the entire style began, the riffs, the guitar domination, the slow grind, and the demonic vocals. A legendary album that defined the path that countless bands would try to follow (and only few with some success). The best lineup featuring Ozzy with the "satanic" subject matter that many casual listeners misunderstand completely (no, it is not satanic in any way, not even tongue-in-cheek like Venom). Although the material sounds a bit dated today, "Black Sabbath," "The Wizard," and "Wicked World" retain much of their impact. It is easy to see where even contemporary "extreme" metal outfits dig in for inspiration. I hear there's another edition of this CD (import) that has some extra tracks. I might have to track it down.

Verdict: absolutely essential heavy metal.

 

Master of Reality (1971, Warner)

Another classic Sabbath with Ozzy doing the devilish vox. Although not as strong as the other originals, it is nevertheless a defining entry into the heavy metal genre. There is an out-of-place love song of sorts, but the rest is as heavy as it could get in 1971. This, of course, is different from being loud (Deep Purple were the loudest back then) but the mostly slow depressing doom alternating with more energetic metal forms the core of the Sabbath sound that propelled them to world acclaim. Check out the eerie short intrumental "Embryo" followed by "Children of the Grave" to see what I mean. My CD has a lousy sound, make sure you get the newly remastered version.

Verdict: another essential must-have.