Black Sabbath - Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973)

Arguably the originators of the ‘Heavy Metal’ genre, Black Sabbath had burnt out on the excesses of the rock and roll lifestyle and riff-meister general Tony Iommi was suffering from severe writer’s block. Fortunately, following a move from LA to a ‘haunted’ castle in Gloucestershire ideas began to flow for their fifth studio album and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath was born.

For me, if it only contained the title track I’d consider it a worthy addition to any record collection! Iommi is on top form producing several notable riffs all in one track with Ozzy too at his shrillest best. Just how many bands that one track alone influenced we will never know but there are a hell of a lot of bands out there who owe an awful lot to Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.

Killing Yourself To Live and Spiral Architect are also standout tracks along with the piano-led Who Are You? which I seem to recall was reprised for a ghastly Ozzy and daughter single a few years ago! However, here it is in its purest and best form.

The album has achieved triple platinum status in the UK and platinum in the US and charted at number 4 in the UK on its original release which is no mean feat for an album that heavy and way beyond anything around at that time.

For Sabbath I believe this was their peak and if you feel you really should own at least one Sabbath album (and you should), then Sabbath Bloody Sabbath really should be it!

• Ozzy Osbourne – Vocals
• Tony Iommi – Guitar
• Geezer Butler – Bass
• Bill Ward – Drums