Black Sabbath are an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler, and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. After adopting the Black Sabbath name in 1969 (the band were previously named Earth, and before that the Polka Tulk Blues Band), they distinguished themselves through occult themes with horror-inspired lyrics and down-tuned guitars. Their first three albums, Black Sabbath, Paranoid (both 1970), and Master of Reality (1971), were commercially successful, and are now cited as pioneering albums in the development of heavy metal music. Subsequent albums Vol. 4 (1972), Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973), Sabotage (1975), Technical Ecstasy (1976), and Never Say Die! (1978) saw the band explore more experimental and progressive styles.
00:00Black Sabbath is a seminal band in the history of rock music.
00:04The band played a brand of hard rock that would tragically spawn much of the regrettable heavy metal slash death metal music of recent years.
00:14Black Sabbath's music in their early years, however, was majestic hard rock rooted in the blues and played with skill and precision.
00:22The band, comprised of singer Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward, came out of Birmingham, England in 1968.
00:36The band's first four albums were all outstanding efforts and all remain classics of the hard rock genre.
00:42The band's eponymous debut, Black Sabbath from 1970, was a showcase for the fine guitarist Iommi and the haunted tense vocals of Osbourne.
00:52The album is spellbinding from start to finish, especially on the title track Black Sabbath and The Wizard.
01:00The band's sophomore release, Paranoid from 1970, was the equal to the impressive debut and features some progressive rock influences such as the track Electric Funeral.
01:12The album's best-known track, Iron Man, is possibly the weakest track on the album.
01:18Master of Reality from 1971, another classic of the genre, followed next.
01:24It contained the classic marijuana anthem, Sweetly.
01:28Sabbath next released Vol. 4 in 1972, an album that is much more experimental and includes the frequent use of synthesizers.
01:39The best track here is the ballad Changes, featuring an unforgettable vocal performance by Osbourne.
01:46Black Sabbath would release another decent album, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath from 1973, before their descent to heavy metal mediocrity and the eventual departure of Ozzy Osbourne.
