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BLACK SABBATH – HEAVEN AND HELL
1980 Warner Brothers
Black Sabbath. The band that started it all. The original line-up of Osbourne/Ward/Iommi/Butler released their seminal, influential self-titled debut album way back in 1970. Ozzy left the band after 1978's NEVER SAY DIE to begin his highly successful solo career. The remaining members hired probably the best singer they could have in former Rainbow vocalist Ronnie James Dio. His fantasy-style lyrics and masterful voice fit the band perfectly. I admit I'm not a huge fan of Ozzy-era Black Sabbath. Sorry, but they just don't do much for me. (I'm a fan of Ozzy's solo stuff however.) When RJD sings for them, it's a different story. He takes the band to the next level. The music fits the lyrics and emotion and vice versa. I love HEAVEN AND HELL– this is a classic Metal album from beginning to end. It's a perfect moment in the career of Black Sabbath in my opinion. It has eight classic tunes. It has a really cool cover. And it was also produced by the legendary Martin Birch, who has produced classics from Deep Purple and Iron Maiden.

The songs. Since there are only eight, I'll take it one at a time.

1. Neon Knights. My favorite song on the album. Kicks off the album by going right for the jugular. Awesome fast-paced tune featuring cool lyrics by RJD and great power riffs by Tony. RJD still plays this one live, thank God!

2. Children of the Sea. A song with armageddon-style lyrics. The song starts out slow and builds. I really like this song. It is kind of a warning, using the word "we" alot, referring to everybody. Pretty much a mid-tempo song with sweet guitar throughout, the best part being the solo. Pure gold, baby!

3. Lady Evil. My second favorite song on the album. It's about a witch. It brings your attention to Geezer's awesome bass playing and the overall kick ass bottom-end that Black Sabbath are known for. RJD shines on this one, lyrically and vocally. All right!

4. Heaven and Hell. The amazing title track, about the world full of kings and queens. They kind of slow things down to an "epic" pace on this one. This song is a classic forever. Also a tune RJD keeps alive in concert. It goes on and on...

5. Wishing Well. Another great fast-paced rocker. A song about fate, really. I like the cool acoustic guitar bits Tony adds to this song.

6. Die Young. Straining guitar builds to a fast-paced head-banger here. RJD rips out some great singing and lyrics. Lesson: live for today because you may die young.

7. Walk Away. This song is worth hearing just for the power chords they play during the solo. There it is again: the classic sound that so many bands have ripped off.

8. Lonely Is The Word. The ballad of the album if you will. Great groove and plodding bassline make this the perfect ending to the album.

In closing, I would like to say how much I like HEAVEN AND HELL. I also like the band's following album MOB RULES and RJD's return to Black Sabbath in 1992, DEHUMANIZER. I could write an essay about how much I like those albums too. But for now, I'll just recommend HEAVEN AND HELL-- you can't go wrong with this classic!
DISCOGRAPHY:
Black Sabbath (1970) Warner Bros.
Paranoid (1970) Warner Bros.
Master Of Reality (1971) Warner Bros.
Vol. 4 (1972) Warner Bros.
Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973) Warner Bros.
Sabotage (1975) Warner Bros.
We Sold Our Souls For Rock'n'Roll (1975) Warner Bros.
Technical Ecstasy (1977) Warner Bros.
Never Say Die (1978) Warner Bros.
Heaven And Hell (1980) Warner Bros.
Mob Rules (1981) Warner Bros.
Live Evil (1983) Warner Bros.
Born Again (1983) Warner Bros.
Seventh Star (1986) Warner Bos.
The Eternal Idol (1987) Warner Bros.
Headless Cross (1989) IRS
Tyr (1990) IRS
Dehumanizer (1992) Reprise
Cross Purposes (1994) IRS
Cross Purposes Live (1995) IRS
Forbidden (1995) EMI
The Sabbath Stones (compilation) (1996) IRS
Reunion (Live) (1998) Sony
by Dr. Metal