November is Doom- Black Sabbath : "s/t"

 Ok, for our dedicated doom month, I'm reviewing every single Black Sabbath album, even the Tony Martin album. I reviewed all of Ozzy's solo work right after he died, so this only makes sense. This is being done in order so starting with the 1970 debut album. This album is 55 years old and has clearly stood the test of time. The riff that drives the e[eponymous title finds the "devil's note" at its heart beat, and this defines metal. Not to mention the stellar drumming of Bill Ward on this track and the fear and longing in Ozzy's voice. You would think that alone means I am giving this album an 11, and this is all delaying the inevitable. 

Well, one thing about this album is it does turn into a bit of a jam. The jamming starts a little with "the Wizard," which is a bit of a boogie; it's the taunt syncopation that holds the aggression of metal. Ozzy goes for his best blues phrashing when it comes to where to put his vocals. Billy Strings covering this song would be cool. "Behind the Wall of Sleep" is even more of a jam, but I really Ozzy's vocals on this one. Lyrically, Geezer Butler drew inspiration from an HP Lovecraft story, so Lovecraft left a lasting infger print upon metal that still finds bands drawing inspiration. "NIB" might be my favorite song from this album, but I have heard it a thousand times. Ozzy shows more of what he is capable of 

The version I am reviewing features "Evil Woman". The first cassette I bought of this was in 1987 had 'Wicked World" in its place, and the two songs have switched places over the years as a bonus strong. I prefer "Wicked World: "Sleeping Village" is a blue jam, that works for what it is, I really like the softer side of Ozzy's voice that is shown on this one. "the Warning" is even more of a jam though it feels like when things come togetrher at the end they finish the thought started in the prveious song. It's also very clear why Toni Iommi commands the attention of aspiring guitar players. I will give this one as ten as it's anchored by the three classics on the first side of the album that balances it all out. 

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