On June 26, 1970 – BLACK SABBATH performed at Audimax der Freien Universität, Berlin, Germany.
On June 26, 2019 – BLACK SABBATH 50 YEARS / A MAJOR EXHIBITION opened at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.
Archive for Ozzy Osbourne
On This Day In BLACK SABBATH History – June 26th
Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags bill ward, Black Sabbath, classic rock, classic rock music, geezer butler, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, music news, news, Ozzy Osbourne, rock music, tony iommi, world news on June 26, 2022 by Metal OdysseyBLACK SABBATH – 5 Facts About The Fathers Of Heavy Metal – Part II
Posted in Metal with tags Black Sabbath, classic rock, doom metal, metal odyssey, Ozzy Osbourne on April 15, 2020 by Metal Odyssey
“Live At Last” was originally released back in 1980, without the consent of Black Sabbath. In later years, this live bootleg, if you will, was released as follows:
Released Summer 1980
Re-Released March 1996
Re-Released August 20, 1996 (Past Lives)
Re-Released September 27, 2010
On June 26th, 2019, the official naming ceremony for the “Black Sabbath Bridge” took place in Birmingham, England. Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler attended this joyous and historical occasion.
Music legend Rick Wakeman played keyboards on the 1973 studio album “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”.
The touring keyboardist for Black Sabbath, on their “Sabotage World Tour” (1975-1976) was Jezz Woodruffe. “Sabotage” was released back in July of 1975.
Sources: Black Sabbath Online / The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal (1st edition)
LONG LIVE BLACK SABBATH.
STONE.
OZZY OSBOURNE “The Ultimate Sin” – Album Is Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!
Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, metal bands, metal music, music news, rock music, rock music news with tags 1986 heavy metal albums, 80's heavy metal, classic rock, jake e. lee, metal odyssey, ozzy, Ozzy Osbourne, the ultimate sin on April 19, 2014 by Metal Odyssey
5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!
Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!
OZZY OSBOURNE – The 4th studio album, The Ultimate Sin, from the iconic Ozzy Osbourne was released back in 1986, via CBS Records. If there ever was a Heavy Metal album that I shared countless good Metal times with, it’s without a doubt this Ozzy release! Man, those old school Metal memories of lazy, hazy and beer soaked Summer nights (and afternoons) with Metal buddies just buzz about in my brain, each time I listen to The Ultimate Sin.
For me, it was all about Metal, beer and babes back in 1986; and not necessarily in that order, depending on the night. Whoa! Ring that who-gives-a-shit bell! Life was easy for me back in ’86. Hell, yes it was! I saw Ozzy on his “The Ultimate Sin Tour” twice in ’86; Queensrÿche opened for Ozzy at The Springfield Civic Center, in Springfield, Massachusetts and Metallica opened for Ozzy at The New Haven Coliseum, in New Haven Connecticut. Both were whiz-bang shows! I remember telling my Metal buddies back then, that on this ’86 tour, Ozzy reminded me of a “Heavy Metal Liberace” due to his dress attire and on stage persona. Go figure. Maybe I inhaled, after all. Whoa.
Above: The Ultimate Sin (4 panel) liner notes from the CD I own. It opens up to reveal a band photo, from L to R: Jake E. Lee, Ozzy, Phil Soussan and (the late) Randy Castillo.
Ozzy Osbourne has released 11 studio albums, counting the covers album, Under Cover, from 2005. With Black Sabbath, Ozzy is vocalist on 9 studio albums. An incredible Heavy Metal legacy, Ozzy has forged. When I look upon the successful, highly influential and multi-million unit selling career of Ozzy as a solo artist, I’m aghast that he hasn’t been inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame as such! Of course, Ozzy is in the Rock Hall with Black Sabbath, however, give me a Metal break! Ozzy DESERVES to be in the Rock Hall as a solo artist, right at this moment! Ugh.
Sorry for the detour. Back to The Ultimate Sin album. I refuse to compare this album to the unparalleled Randy Roads era. This was an entirely new era for Ozzy; it would be like comparing Yeungling Lager to Yeungling Lite. I love ’em both! My favorite songs from this super-fabulous album are: The Ultimate Sin, Never Know Why, Lightning Strikes, Fool Like You and Shot In The Dark. I dig the other songs, of course; only these songs I pointed out still make me feel so damn good! The brilliant Jake E. Lee’s guitar wizardry on The Ultimate Sin is forever out-of-this-world! Whoa.
If you’ve never owned The Ultimate Sin, you are a Metal sinner. This is a Heavy Metal classic, to me. An underrated gem within the discography of Ozzy Osbourne. From the album artwork to ALL 9 songs, The Ultimate Sin I shall easily declare, on any given Metal day, as timeless. Metal be thy name. – Stone
The Ultimate Sin – Track Listing: The Ultimate Sin, Secret Loser, Never Know Why, Thank God For The Bomb, Never, Lightning Strikes, Killer Of Giants, Fool Like You, Shot In The Dark
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LONG LIVE OZZY OSBOURNE.
LONG LIVE JAKE E. LEE.
LONG LIVE PHIL SOUSSAN.
REST IN PEACE, RANDY CASTILLO.
Stone.
BLACK SABBATH – “13” Cover Art Has Been Revealed… Blah And Yawn Sums It Up Best
Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags 13, Black Sabbath, black sabbath 13, heavy metal albums 2013, heavy metal news, metal albums 2013, Ozzy Osbourne on April 7, 2013 by Metal Odyssey
BLACK SABBATH – Make no mistake, I am highly anticipating the new studio album to be released from the forever legendary Black Sabbath, just like millions of other fans. I have no doubt, the Heavy Metal from their forthcoming album 13 will be a delicacy to my Metal loving ears. My huge Metal question is: what the heck happened to the album artwork for 13?
Let’s be real here my fellow Metal brethren. This album artwork for 13 looks like sausage that caught on fire; while sitting too long on the outdoor grill. Give me a Metal break. This album signifies studio album #19 from a band that (quite frankly) began our Heavy Metal genre in the first place… and this is the (not so) prolific art that the fans get to see?
Granted, Black Sabbath have had their share of lineup changes over the decades and studio album #19 is without the legendary Bill Ward on drums; so it’s not like I was expecting a ground-breaking album cover that would rival anything that the ultra-talented Derek Riggs (of Iron Maiden fame) has ever accomplished. Still, I was hoping for something that would scream the prowess of Black Sabbath. Man, this album cover is lame.
It’s bad enough that this new Black Sabbath studio album is missing Bill Ward (or Vinny Appice for that matter); now the album cover is a bust. Um, no offense to Brad Wilk. Someone should have reminded whoever was in charge that the #13 has been so overused in the world of music and Pop-Culture that it basically has no spooky or mystical meaning at all anymore. Whoopie-doo.
Did “the powers that be” that oversaw the creation of this album cover really think that a seasoned Metalhead like myself would be blown away by burning sausage twisted into the #13? Alas, I’m certain that Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Ozzy and Brad Wilk will save the day and 13 will Rock my face off. It’s the music that matters most. Metal be thy name.
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* For more info on BLACK SABBATH, click on the links below!
http://www.twitter.com/officialsabbath
facebook: Black Sabbath
LONG LIVE BLACK SABBATH.
Stone.
OZZY OSBOURNE “Speak Of The Devil” – First Official Release Of This 1982 Concert In Stores July 17th!
Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal dvds, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags classic rock, heavy metal concert dvds, heavy metal news, Ozzy Osbourne, rock music news, speak of the devil dvd on June 5, 2012 by Metal Odyssey
“Speak Of The Devil” was filmed at Irvine Meadows, California in 1982. The show was part of the delayed continuation of the “Diary Of A Madman” tour following the tragic death of Randy Rhoads in March ’82 in a flying accident during the early part of the tour. The show features guitarist Brad Gillis who was brought in to replace Randy Rhoads.
The concert is a perfect snapshot of Ozzy Osbourne’s live performances in the eighties with dramatic staging and masses of energy with a setlist based around his first two solo albums and a few Black Sabbath classics. Ozzy has always been one of Heavy Metal’s great frontmen and despite the difficult circumstances, this show captures him at his absolute best.
Package contains liner notes written by bassist Rudy Sarzo.
Line-up:
Ozzy Osbourne – vocals
Don Airey – keyboards
Tommy Aldridge – drums
Brad Gillis – guitar
Rudy Sarzo – bass
___________________________________________________
(Source: Eagle Rock Entertainment)
LONG LIVE OZZY OSBOURNE.
Stone.
Ozzy Osbourne Randy Rhoads Tribute – Live Album From 1987 Is Priceless, Old School, Heavy Metal History
Posted in classic rock, guitar legends, guitarists, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal history, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags classic rock, guitar legends, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, old school heavy metal, ozzy, Ozzy Osbourne, ozzy osbourne randy rhoads tribute album, Randy Rhoads, rock music news on March 23, 2011 by Metal Odyssey
OZZY OSBOURNE RANDY RHOADS TRIBUTE – How often do you turn to your collection of music, whether it be CDs, vinyl, cassettes or (gulp) 8 tracks for that refreshing listen in Old School? And as you rummage through your music collection, you find that one Old School release you haven’t listened to in quite some time? It happened to me a couple of days ago. This Old School album I’ve revisited is Ozzy Osbourne Randy Rhoads – Tribute. I have this live Heavy Metal masterpiece on CD and cassette, once owning it on vinyl. This is a “double-album” release and all 14 songs are on one CD.
Why do I refer to this album as a masterpiece you question? This is the first and only live Ozzy Osbourne album that features the infinitely legendary Randy Rhoads (Randall William Rhoads) as guitarist. Randy Rhoads passed away at age 25, back on March 19, 1982. It was a “freak” small plane accident that took Randy Rhoads away from us all, halfway through the Diary Of A Madman tour. I won’t get into anymore details about this sad story… the internet is loaded with the complete story on this horrible day in Rock Music history.
There are three Black Sabbath classics heard on this live album: Iron Man, Children Of The Grave and Paranoid. Randy Rhoads did these Black Sabbath classics spectacular Metal justice on Tribute. Yes, Tony Iommi is the originator and guitar master of these Black Sabbath songs, there is no dispute. If anything, Randy and Tony are on the same Metal tier in my most honest Metal opinion. Two entirely different guitar styles and two unique legends of Heavy Metal and Rock history are they both. Each guitarist has carved out his individual Metal legacy for all eternity. What more can I say about that?
As I listen now, some 24 years after this live album has been released, the chills still run up and down my body when I crank these Heavy Metal classics up… just as it happened to me in 1987. When a live album or any album for that matter, can never lose it’s euphoric Metal vibe that it gives me, such as this one, then I Metal ordain it a Metal Masterpiece. I’m forever left spellbound by listening to Randy Rhoads play his riffs, leads and solo’s throughout this entire live album. The studio out-takes of Randy Rhoads playing Dee never ceases in capturing my full attention. The all encompassing Metal high I get from hearing these live versions of Flying High Again, I Don’t Know, Crazy Train and Mr. Crowley is a personal feeling that is priceless.
Randy Rhoads has a featured guitar solo on Suicide Solution and it is a dizzying listen into just how immense, influential and dynamic his guitar playing was… and forever will be. Ozzy’s vocals on these live songs sound just incredible to my ears, it’s vintage Ozzy. There will never be another Ozzy Osbourne, just like there shall never be another Randy Rhoads. These two ultra-amazing men of Metal created two magical albums together with Blizzard of Ozz (1980) and Diary Of A Madman (1981). Those were two back-to-back Heavy Metal albums that essentially catapulted Ozzy’s solo career to iconic heights and made Randy Rhoads, the guitarist, an everlasting influence and legend.
Both of these iconic Heavy Metal albums are celebrated on this live Tribute album and Ozzy Osbourne paid tribute to Randy Rhoads through it’s release. The guitar playing and song writing of Randy Rhoads shall be celebrated forever by this Metalhead. This is a live album that belongs in every Hard Rock and Metal fans collection of music, I can’t fathom any reason otherwise. Ozzy Osbourne Randy Rhoads – Tribute is a live album that captured important Heavy Metal and Rock music history, which will be passed down for Metal generations to come.
The band as listed in the “original” album liner notes:
Ozzy Osbourne – vocals
Randy Rhoads – guitar
Rudy Sarzo – bass
Tommy Aldridge – drums
Track Listing For Ozzy Osbourne Randy Rhoads – Tribute:
I Don’t Know
Crazy Train
Believer
Mr. Crowley
Flying High Again
Revelation (Mother Earth)
Steal Away (The Night) (With Drum Solo)
Suicide Solution (With Guitar Solo)
Iron Man
Children Of The Grave
Paranoid
Goodbye To Romance
No Bone Movies
Dee (Randy Rhoads Studio Out-Takes)
* Ozzy Osbourne Randy Rhoads – Tribute was produced and engineered by Max Norman. The executive producer was Ozzy Osbourne.
* Ozzy Osbourne Randy Rhoads – Tribute was released March 19, 1987, on Epic Records.
The combination of knowing that the month of March marks the passing of Randy Rhoads and speaking with “DeadDave” of Dead Daves Radio.com about Old School Heavy Metal over this past weekend, prompted me to dig out this classic work of live Heavy Metal… without my even thinking about it. I guess needing to listen to Ozzy Osbourne Randy Rhoads – Tribute was imbedded in my Metal sub-conscious, all along this past week.
I met “DeadDave” for the first time in my Metal life at the COLD, KOPEK, Egypt Central, Oceans Divide and Maddam Ink. concert at the Crocodile Rock Cafe on Saturday, March 19th. I’ll tell the world this much… “DeadDave” is one cool dude who likes his Horror, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Thanks for the conversations “DeadDave” and for the Metal knowledge you shared as well.
Long Live Ozzy Osbourne.
Rest In Peace, Randy Rhoads.
Stone.
The 53rd Grammy Awards – Some Hard Rock and Metal Thoughts…
Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal songs, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags 53rd grammy awards, Grammy Awards, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2010, Iron Maiden, metal music, metal odyssey, Ozzy Osbourne, rock music news on February 25, 2011 by Metal Odyssey
53rd GRAMMY AWARDS – On February 13, 2011, the 53rd Grammy Awards took place. Yippee. Planet Earth is saved once again. Generations of Metalheads are so honored to have a select few of our bands nominated by this red carpet billionaire’s club. Per usual, the “establishment” behind the Grammy Awards has not a remote clue in knowing the difference between Hard Rock and Metal. Here is Exhibit A in explaining my Metal point:
Ozzy Osbourne is NOT a Hard Rock artist. Um, no. So, why was Ozzy Osbourne nominated for “Best Hard Rock Performance” with Let Me Hear You Scream from his 2010 Scream album? I’ve listened to this song enough times to realize it’s NOT Hard Rock. Yes, Ozzy has been known for his ballads in the past, Goodbye To Romance, So Tired and Mama I’m Coming Home are a few examples. These Ozzy ballads can very well be considered Hard Rock. My argument is, Let Me Hear You Scream is NOT a ballad, it is Heavy Metal or Metal, whichever you prefer. Therefore, WTF am I missing here? Calling this Ozzy song Hard Rock is like calling Slayer’s Reign In Blood album… Modern Rock.
Any astute fan of Ozzy Osbourne and/or Heavy Metal will agree, that 95% of Ozzy Osbourne’s music catalog is… Metal or Heavy Metal, whichever you prefer once again. Plus, 95% is probably too low. It’s very sad, that the “decision makers” behind the Grammy Awards cannot tell the difference between world known and historic Rock genres such as Hard Rock and Metal. It’s like not knowing the difference between a beer and an ale. There is a difference! Ozzy Osbourne is extremely deserved of a Grammy Award for Let Me Hear You Scream, make no mistake about it. Ozzy was also deserved of many, many, many, other missed nominations for a Grammy award in the past as well. Metal be thy name.
When it came down to “Best Metal Performance”, that so-called sacred institution called the Grammys got it right with all of their nominations being Metal. Big deal. Their supposed to get it right for Metal sakes. However, the Grammys are decades late in honoring the ultra-legendary Iron Maiden. El Dorado from their 2010 studio album, The Final Frontier, was nominated for this “coveted” award and won. In my Metal opinion, the first five Iron Maiden albums are superior to that of The Final Frontier. Self-titled (1980), Killers (1981), The Number Of The Beast (1982), Piece Of Mind (1983) and Powerslave (1984) are audio textbooks for Metal 101. I will even add the 1988 album, Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son, to this list of Iron Maiden excellence. These are the influential and legendary Iron Maiden albums, the albums that bulldozed the path for countless Metal bands to travel, spanning into a fourth decade now.
I realize that a “Best Metal Performance” never existed during the years when Iron Maiden’s first five albums were released. This Grammy category did exist back in 2007 and Iron Maiden’s 2006 studio album A Matter Of Life And Death was ignored, which is a superior album to that of The Final Frontier as well. Am I happy for Iron Maiden winning the “Best Metal Performance” Grammy? Of course I am. The mainstream Grammys acknowledging Iron Maiden for their Metal contribution(s) has been long overdue. Do you think Iron Maiden cares if I’m happy for them? I doubt it. I will close with this, Iron Maiden should know where their true glory reigns within their album of catalogs and The Final Frontier is not in the same class with their previous albums I mentioned. Some may disagree with me, only I do know that I’m not alone in my Metal thinking.
LONG LIVE OZZY OSBOURNE.
LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN.
Stone.
The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal – A Very Resourceful Metal Music Book
Posted in 1970's punk rock, 1970's heavy metal music, 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's metal bands, 1980's punk rock music, 1980's thrash metal, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal music, 1990's thrash metal music, black metal roots, book reviews, classic rock music, death metal music, doom metal music, extreme metal music, hair metal music, heavy metal book reviews, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music books, heavy metal music guides, heavy metal music reference, heavy metal vocalists, horror punk rock bands, Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school hard rock, old school metal bands, old school thrash metal music, punk rock bands, rock music, sludge metal bands, southern hard rock, thrash metal bands with tags 1970's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal music, black metal music, current heavy metal bands, essi berelian author, heavy metal book review, heavy metal books, heavy metal genres, heavy metal music, heavy metal music books, history of heavy metal, Iron Maiden, king diamond, kiss heavy metal band, kreator thrash metal band, metal music, metal music genres, metal odyssey, Misfits, Motorhead, Music, Ozzy Osbourne, punk rock bands, punk rock books, Ramones, rock music, rough guides, slayer thrash metal band, the rough guide to heavy metal, thrash metal books, thrift store finds, w.a.s.p. heavy metal band on November 9, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
I’m always looking for good deals on my Heavy Metal Music purchases, from albums, CD’s to memorabilia and books. Upon one of my recent stops into a local thrift store, I happened upon quite the Heavy Metal find indeed, for the ripe price of fifty cents. Yes, fifty cents. The find you ask? Well, none other than The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal – and it is quite the book for me. (This book is a 1st printing, printed in 2005 by Rough Guides). While perusing the book aisle at this thrift store, the image of none other than Ozzy Osbourne caught my eye. What is this? I could not believe what I had found! Knowing immediately too, that any book in this thrift store is only fifty cents… I was Metal stoked. As a bonus, this book stared right at me in gem mint condition as well. As I picked it up and browsed through it’s Heavy Metal filled pages, it was obvious to me that the previous owner of this book never bothered to read it. As crisp of a new book you will find. Life is a sweet journey sometimes, especially when you can stumble on a 410 page book, when you least expect it, that is dedicated to your favorite music genre… Heavy Metal.
Alright, enough about how I found The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal and onward with it’s review. This richly factual book is written by Essi Berelian, with a foreward by the legendary front man for Iron Maiden – Bruce Dickinson himself. There are over 300 bands and/or musicians that are covered in this book. (Hey, to make a definitive book of Heavy Metal bands would not only be a task of the ages, the page count would reach a bizarre number as well). Therefore, there are going to be bands that are missing, (I am disappointed that Enslaved did not get aknowledged), plus there is that band here and there where I can’t exactly label as Heavy Metal, (Asia has a write-up in this book). I like Asia, yet I do not see the connection here. I will bend and say Foreigner has a loose connection to the genre of Heavy Metal, they are represented in The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal. Diversity is shown in the representation of bands, The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal even acknowledges Lynyrd Skynyrd and their link to heavy music.
From Ozzy Osbourne and Kiss to King Diamond and Magnum, with the likes of Venom and UFO in between, a fabulous smorgasbord of movers and shakers are touched upon with factual integrity and reverence. I am smitten that Slayer, Motorhead, W.A.S.P., Red Hot Chili Peppers and Kreator are well covered here too. Something that Essi Berelian did here, that impresses me most, is the inclusion of legendary Punk Rock Bands such as the Misfits and Ramones. Still, where are the Sex Pistols? C’mon, if you include Punk Rock into a voluminous book such as this, it is not a bright move to ignore the Sex Pistols! Plus, whenever writers refer to the 1970’s Hard Rock band Sweet as “The Sweet”, it drives me crazy. Anyone familiar with this band knows them as Sweet… period. The only album I am aware of, that has the moniker of “The Sweet” is their very first album, which was titled Funny How Sweet Co-Co Can Be back in 1971. Give me a Metal break.
Essi Berelian deserves much praise and credit, despite the few flaws mentioned, that in reality, I can overlook. Each band or musician represented in The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal has it’s history and discography touched upon in enough detail that suffices for me. Interesting anecdotes and facts are also provided throughout this entire book, making for a very resourceful guide on the history of Heavy Metal. The genres of Heavy Metal are explained very well too, giving the reader an in depth explanation to it’s respective origin and impact on the world of music. From Christian Metal to Black Metal, the genres of Heavy Metal are given their own spotlight. The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal is also loaded with plenty of black and white photographs, (group and individual shots, album covers and concert photos), giving this book that much more appeal.
At the end of the Metal day, The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal makes for an extensive and detailed read into the bands that started, shaped and expanded the world of Heavy Metal Music. Whether you are a life long fan of this incredible genre of music or a brand new fan, this book is rather difficult to put down. I most highly recommend The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal to all, it really isn’t that rough at all. Hey, for the fifty cents it set me back, this book is worth every penny. I cannot shake the Metal grin on my face each time I pick this book up to read.
My Least Favorite Ozzy Osbourne Song Ever Is…
Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal ballads, 1980's heavy metal hits, 1980's classic rock music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, classic heavy metal, classic heavy metal albums, classic rock music, cool album covers, creepy album covers, guitar legends, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1983, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1983, heavy metal solo vocalists, heavy metal songs 1983, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Metal Reviews, Music, old school heavy metal, rock music, scary album covers, spooky metal album covers, vintage heavy metal albums, vintage heavy metal songs with tags 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal ballads, 1980's heavy metal, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal music, bark at the moon album, bark at the moon album 1983, Black Sabbath, classic heavy metal, classic rock, classic rock music, heavy metal ballads, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, jake e. lee guitarist, master of puppets tour, Metallica, mtv, Music, Ozzy Osbourne, ozzy osbourne vocalist, queensryche, so tired ballad, so tired music video, so tired song on October 25, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Ozzy Osbourne, the Heavy Metal Prince of Darkness. Ozzy Osbourne – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee with Black Sabbath. Honestly, I revere the living hell out of this Heavy Metal legend. I did get to see Ozzy Osbourne live in concert twice during my lifetime. For me, those two concerts were unbelievable, with Metallica opening up for Ozzy in New Haven Connecticut, (at the spooky New Haven Coliseum) – it was The Ultimate Sin Tour for Ozzy and Metallica was promoting their legendary Master of Puppets album. The other Ozzy concert I saw had Queensryche open for Ozzy in Springfield, Massachusetts, (at the Springfield Civic Center), on this same Ultimate Sin Tour. Alright, so it is obvious I think the Metal world of Ozzy Osbourne… fine. However, by process of elimination, there has to be my least favorite Ozzy Osbourne song out there and there is one. I do not think much of the song, uh, ballad So Tired from Ozzy’s Bark At The Moon album. This song, ugh, ballad is responsible for my distaste of most Heavy Metal ballads ever released since, by any band. This album was released on December 10, 1983. Don’t get me wrong here, the Bark At The Moon album as a whole, is unreal good. Three songs on this album are incredible for me… Rock ‘n’ Roll Rebel, You’re No Different and of course – Bark At The Moon. These three Ozzy songs I can hold up on a Metal pedestal forever. Plus, Jake E. Lee on guitar is a Metal bonus to listen to.
So Tired is a song that in my Metal opinion, is overwhelmingly dull and depressing and does absolutely nothing but annoy me beyond belief. Who exactly is supposed to be so tired in this song? Is it Ozzy himself? Someone that Ozzy knows? I really do not care in the darn least who is tired. I get tired too, yet I never whine about it like Ozzy did in this song. Sure, maybe the tired theme was about waiting around for a love lost… who cares. So Tired is a perfect example of what happens when a Heavy Metal icon decides to go the Pop and Bubble Gum Music route with a song. Sappy city is open for tourists with So Tired. Get out the kleenex, So Tired is now playing… sniffle, sniffle, I am so moved. The orchestration in this song only annoys me more.
To me, So Tired just never seemed to fit in with the Bark At The Moon album. So Tired is a downer in the midst of some riveting Heavy Metal songs, a huge let down, like the depressed dude at a party trying to bring everyone else down with him. The video for So Tired, (which was on MTV too often back in the day), was so ridiculous that even I felt embarrassed for Ozzy. When the Bark At The Moon album was reissued, So Tired should have been omitted from the track list… it is that lousy – for me. In my Metal opinion, So Tired is the lowest moment of Ozzy Osbournes unparalleled and ultra legendary Heavy Metal career.
My Heavy Metal Favorites List – Part 1
Posted in 1960's acid rock music, 1960's classic rock music, 1960's rock music, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal music, bigfoot mystery, classic heavy metal, classic rock, classic rock music, everyday social experiences, favorite heavy metal topics, feel good stories, Heavy Metal, heavy metal favorites, heavy metal music, heavy metal television shows, hollywood comedians, hollywood stars, list of talking points, lists, Metal, metal odyssey, Motorhead, Music, old school heavy metal, Ozzy Osbourne, people, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, thrash metal bands, thrash metal music with tags 1980's decade, anthrax thrash metal band, beer, bigfoot, classic rock, classic rock music, decade of the '80's, doctor doom comic book villian, doritos snack chips, drive thru window restaurants, escape from new york movie, halloween, headbangers ball, heavy metal fashions, heavy metal favorites, heavy metal music, high school metal shop, jim morrison rock singer, john carpenter movie director, judge dredd comic book hero, lemmy kilmister bass guitarist & vocalist, motorhead heavy metal band, Ozzy Osbourne, rip magazine, rock music, sam kinison comedian, the doors rock band, thrash metal bands, wasteland store on September 19, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
I think about Heavy Metal a lot. I listen to Heavy Metal… a lot. I buy Heavy Metal Music… very often. (Alright, that is a down right lie, I buy Heavy Metal Music – constantly). When I refer to Heavy Metal, just to simplify things here, I am incorporating all the Metal Music Genres in one. Heavy Metal… all things Metal Music. As I sit around towards midnight on this, September 17th going on the 18th… many Heavy Metal thoughts have crossed my Metal mind. Heavy Metal favorites have drifted around my head this late evening, uh, early morning, some unusual ones at that… here they are, enjoy:
Favorite Heavy Metal:
Decade – 1980’s… however, this decade were in now hasn’t been too shabby either for Heavy Metal.
Television Show – Headbangers Ball… it was the best thing happening on the tube that time of night, uh, early morning. Watching it stewed or sober, it kicked butt period.
Fashion – worn & torn blue jeans, high top sneakers (untied and dirty), sleeveless black concert shirt (faded) and no belt. Tattoos, hair style, fingerless gloves and body piercing optional. A denim/leather vest or denim/leather jacket makes for a nice touch. O.k., a belt is cool only if the buckle is bad ass. Please note: for Metal chicks, they can wear this too and add their own personal touches… just as long as they do not look like they are going to the prom, a high school reunion or job interview.
Movie – Escape From New York – this film did not need Heavy Metal Music… John Carpenter’s dark mind, imagination and music score… was enough.
Super Villain – Doctor Doom, enough said.
Super Hero – Judge Dredd… Anthrax says so and I will not argue.
Restaurant – any drive thru window open after midnight.
Beverage – this one’s easy… beer, uh, keg beer.
Messiah – Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead– it used to be Ozzy Osbourne but Sharon ruined the ambiance.
Food – Doritos… they were always there to save the night.
Comedian – Sam Kinison (RIP)… again, Anthrax liked him, even had his patented scream in their song I’m The Man.
Race – beer run.
Non Heavy Metal Band – The Doors… C’mon, were talking Jim Morrison here. The Lizard King… he could do anything. Cool.
Band named after a continent – uh, Europe.
Magazine from the past – RIP
High School Class – Metal Shop… for me it was, really, I made an ice pick and a screwdriver too. I still have them, technically they are now considered antiques.
Store – Wasteland… the name says it all. This place, well, it had it all.
Mystery – Bigfoot… the dude is huge and famous, chills out in the wilderness, answers to no one and pays no taxes. Plus, as a bonus, he does not have to pay outrageous prices for milk and toilet paper.
Holiday – Halloween… this is the one night of the year where you can put on a costume, act nuts, eat a ton of candy and deliberately scare people. The rest of the year, I would never even consider doing any of those things… except act nuts.
Yup, that is my list of Heavy Metal Favorites… for now. Maybe sometime down the Metal road, I will come up with a Heavy Metal Favorites List Part 2. Here’s hoping this list enlightened or frightened you, either way, thanks for reading it and visiting Metal Odyssey!
My favorite Ozzy Osbourne album is…
Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's metal music, Album Review, classic heavy metal albums, classic metal, classic rock, classic rock music, cool album covers, essential heavy metal albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal solo albums, heavy metal solo artists, heavy metal solo vocalists, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews, Music, old school heavy metal, ozzy, Ozzy Osbourne, rock and roll hall of fame inductees, rock keyboard musicians, rock vocalists, vintage heavy metal albums, Vocals with tags 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's metal music, blizzard of ozz album, bob daisley bass guitarist, classic heavy metal, classic heavy metal albums, diary of a madman album, don airey keyboardist, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, heavy metal music, lee kerslake drummer, mike bordin drummer, Music, old school heavy metal, ozzy, Ozzy Osbourne, ozzy osbourne albums, ozzy osbourne vocalist, ozzy osbournes first two albums, randy rhoads guitarist, robert trujillo bass guitarist, rudy sarzo bass guitarist, tommy aldridge drummer, vintage heavy metal albums on June 18, 2009 by Metal OdysseyI would like to take this opportunity, to let the entire world know, which Ozzy Osbourne album is my favorite of all time. Oops, it is a tie. “Blizzard Of Ozz”, (1980) and “Diary of a Madman”, (1981). Why, you may query? These first two Ozzy albums to me, represent the real, original, building block, style of Heavy Metal sound, that energized the 1980’s into the powerhouse Metal decade it was. Plus, lest we never forget, the greatness of the late Randy Rhoads on lead guitar, on both of these essential Heavy Metal albums.
It is very important to note that on the reissue version of “Blizzard Of Ozz”, during the re-mastering process, Mike Bordin is now on drums and percussion with Robert Trujillo on bass. The original drummer, on the original album, was Lee Kerslake and on bass was Bob Daisley. They are all fabulous musicians, I am not swayed either way. Don Airey is on keyboards for the original album. The key is that the legendary, late Randy Rhoads is the guitarist! Just to hear Randy play his signature sound on “I Don’t Know”, “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley” still sends chills 28 years after this release. Randy Rhoads and his unique guitar sound and style truly helped shape the evolution of Heavy Metal and it’s many prominent guitarists for decades. This album is not just a turning point for Ozzy, it is a focal point of reference and reverence for so many Heavy Metal musicians and fans alike. A bonus track is added into this reissue, “You Lookin’ At Me Lookin’ At You”. This song is similar in structure to “Rock & Roll Rebel” from Ozzy Osbourne’s “Bark At The Moon”. It is a song that is a welcomed addition to this classic album, any song is – that has Randy Rhoads playing. This album has stood the test of time, it feels strange for me to now say that the lyrics, song structure and arrangements with Randy Rhoads leads and riffs are powerhouse. Yet, with the new generation of Ozzy, Randy Rhoads and Heavy Metal fans, getting the word out after all these years is worth every second if it means passing this Heavy Metal jewel on to new listeners.
I know that I do reflect a couple of decades back, (quite often), in my posts… the reason is simple, this incredible Heavy Metal music was created and released decades ago! That is my point of relevance for me, so much of the Heavy Metal that I was into in the late 70’s onward, I still listen to this very day and is now considered classic and vintage. I can remember having the coolest algebra teacher back in High School, Mr. Z. was his name. Mr. Z. allowed his students to bring into class – albums to play on his stereo. How cool is that? It is not too often, with any generation, to reflect on any Algebra teacher from High School as being cool. Well, one of my buddies back then, brought into our class one day, the “Diary Of A Madman” album. This was really the first time I gave this Ozzy gem a thorough listen. I was ecstatic, thrilled beyond Metal belief upon hearing these tunes on this album. (Mr. Z. seemed to dig this Ozzy album too, I can still remember seeing his face showing the appreciation, while the Metal blared). Needless to say, my grades in Mr. Z.’s Algebra class were very respectable, due in part to the cool nonconventional way of teaching, using Heavy Metal as an inspiring teaching tool. Mr. Z. rocked back then, I hope he is still as cool today, wherever he may be.
With tracks such as “Over The Mountain”, “Believer”, “Little Dolls”, “You Can’t Kill Rock and Roll”, “Flying High Again” and “S.A.T.O.”, the odds of ever hearing such amazing Heavy Metal songs this potent and on one album again, are pretty slim. Back in 1982, after listening to this Ozzy album, I was set Metal straight – for a lifetime.
The greatest Heavy Metal album of all time is…
Posted in 1970's hard rock, 1970's Rock, Album Review, Black Sabbath, classic rock, cool album covers, Hard Rock, hard rock album review, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews, Music, ozzy, Ozzy Osbourne, Rock, rock music, rock music vocals, tony iommi heavy metal guitarist with tags 1970's heavy metal, 1970's rock music, Album Review, bill ward, Black Sabbath, black sabbath 1974, classic hard rock, classic heavy metal, classic rock, geezer butler, greatest heavy metal album of all time, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, Metal, metal music, Music, ozzy, Ozzy Osbourne, Reviews, Rock, rock music, sabbath bloody sabbath album, tony iommi on May 9, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Well, I have finally reached the pinnacle in my decision process for The Greatest Heavy Metal Album Of All Time. Please reference my past posts on this topic, you will find many great & legendary Metal albums that I personally nominated for this prestigious label. Without further delay, in my Metal opinion, and only mine alone, I have chosen: Black Sabbath – “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”
Please note that this is my opinion, anyone out there can have his/her own choice for this topic. It boils down to personal preference, especially when it happens to be Metal. Here are my reasons for why I feel this way about this incredible album:
1. It is my belief that Doom Metal, Stoner Metal and real Metal all began with Black Sabbath. “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” just signifies musically, what Metal was and where Metal was heading, back in 1974.
2. Without question, for me, the ‘riff master’ of the Metal world then and now is and forever will be the legendary Tony Iommi.
3. Ozzy Osbourne – no Rock or Metal vocalist has ever sounded like him, or even come close. Ozzy’s vocals are so unique, it is uncanny. I am not saying Ozzy is the greatest vocalist ever, what I am stating is that his vocals are a signature, a trademark if you will, of “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.” Ozzy’s vocals are so extraordinarily identifiable, just as Tony Iommi’s guitar riffs.
4. Not that this played any factor in my decision whatsoever – the album cover artwork is extremely cool, very much Metal. The artwork depicts a skull, demonic beings, a nightmarish snapshot of a piece of hell. Perhaps, I do not know officially for certain, this was the first album cover of any Rock genre which depicted 666 in it’s artwork. (Again, I would need to really research this).
My summary as to why I believe “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” to be The Greatest Heavy Metal Album Of All Time is this:
Black Sabbath “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” is a tried and true Heavy Metal classic. Every song is a definitive statement of just how talented and forward thinking Black Sabbath was in 1974. These 8 songs are a journey of surreal riffs, post psychedelic musical heaviness, that molded Heavy Metal into what it has become today. The opener “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” has a lead riff that instantly prepares you for the remaining set of songs. The instrumental “Fluff” could only work for Black Sabbath on this album, it’s convenient yet prominent position within these songs makes complete sense. “Fluff” and it’s acoustic beauty embarks on the intelligence Black Sabbath held onto musically. Just look at how many Metal bands since, that have slipped in dreamy, mystical or macabre instrumentals for their respective albums. Ozzy Osbourne is so unmistakably eerie on vocals, he was and always shall be one of a kind. Tony Iommi delves into the world of heavy riffs, formulating one after another throughout, unknowingly becoming the Metal riff king for all time. Geezer Butler on bass and Bill Ward on drums provide a legendary rhythm section, that shapes the dark moodiness of this beyond fantastic Metal masterpiece. I look at 1974, then I realize exactly how prominent Heavy Meal was then. It really was not an embraced genre as yet, Metal was truly in it’s infant stage.
“Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” was the Metal comet that stormed into the musical universe in 1974, making a collision onto a world of Rock & Roll that did not know what hit it. Legions of bands and musicians have been influenced by this album, if not, these bands/musicians are not into Metal and/or do not live on this planet. I strongly urge any and all Heavy Metal or Hard Rock fans to add “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” to their music collection, it is an essential and important work of Heavy Metal. The Greatest Heavy Metal Album Of All Time.
Just as a sidebar, I struggled with this decision. I was steadfast in deciding on Slipknot “All Hope Is Gone” as the greatest ever. Then, I followed my Metal heart and realized, if it wasn’t for Black Sabbath and “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath,” would there even be Metal music as we know it today?
Heavy Metal theme song for the New York Giants 2009/2010 NFL season is:
Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, Motorhead, Music, national football league, nfl, nfl football, ozzy, Ozzy Osbourne, Rock, rock music, sports - football with tags eli manning, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal music, lemmy kilmister, Metal, metal music, Motorhead, Music, national football league, new york giants, new york giants football team, nfl, nfl football, ozzy, Ozzy Osbourne on April 26, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
I am a sports fan, a REALLY GIGANTIC fan of the THREE TIME – SUPER BOWL CHAMPION: New York Giants!! With being a fan of Metal music and this being Metal Odyssey, I am going to choose the Heavy Metal theme song for the New York Giants upcoming season of 2009-2010. Why am I doing this? The answer is simple, because I can, that is why. (Well, at least it will be my very own – personal choice, of the New York Giants – Heavy Metal theme song). My choice of the Heavy Metal theme song for the New York Giants is – “Hellraiser” – written by Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead and Ozzy Osbourne. I like the Motorhead version of Hellraiser to be the pick, Ozzy does a great rendition of this song too, however, I have to choose one or the other. The Motorhead version of “Hellraiser” just seems to be kicked up a notch heavier than the Ozzy version, plus Lemmy’s vocals brings out the lyrical message of the song more stronger, in my Metal opinion. You can find this great Heavy Metal tune on Ozzy Osbourne’s 1991 album – “No More Tears” and Motorhead’s 1992 album “March or Die.”
I am so looking forward to the new NFL season, even though it is still April! Seeing the New York Giants get ousted early in the playoffs last year leaves a sour taste in my mouth, that is one valid reason why I have chosen “Hellraiser” to be the theme song for my favorite NFL team. Eli Manning and his supporting cast of teammates, along with Coach Coughlin, have taken us to Super Bowl glory once before. This should be a Giant year for this team, (as long as we have a new “go-to” wide receiver with leaping ability and great hands). Otherwise, I am pleased with the defensive and offensive lines, plus the running game is a 1-2-3 punch. Special teams have always been a great trademark for this franchise, going way back to the Coach Parcell era. Go Giants! The Big Blue Wrecking Crew!
Cliff Burton will always be remembered by this Metallica fan.
Posted in concerts, Guitar, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, james hetfield, Metal, Metal Church, metal concerts, Metallica, Music, Rock, Thrash Metal with tags bass guitar, cliff burton, Heavy Metal, james hetfield, kirk hammett, lars ulrich, Metal, Metallica, Music, Ozzy Osbourne, rock and roll hall of fame, Thrash Metal on April 4, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
I was extremely lucky enough to see Cliff Burton, the late bass playing legend for Metallica, at two live gigs in 1986. The first live experience I had seeing Metallica with Cliff Burton was in a large club setting, (The West Hartford Ballroom, West Hartford, Connecticut). Metal Church opened for Metallica, what a night. The second live gig I experienced seeing Cliff Burton was a rather very large gig. Metallica opened for none other than – Ozzy Osbourne! This exciting concert took place at the New Haven Coliseum, New Haven, Connecticut). (During 1986, Metallica was touring in support of their album “Master of Puppets” and Ozzy Osbourne was touring in support of his album “The Ultimate Sin”) My Metal memory cannot recall the exact dates of these shows, yet they both occurred in the brutally cold Winter months of 1986!
Let me say this much, as I witnessed Cliff Burton up close, in the large club setting, I still never have witnessed, to this very day, another Metal bass player that was so electrifying and physically into the music as Cliff was. It was because of Cliff Burton that I emulated his style of headbanging! Cliff Burton, from seeing him so up close that night, made it so vividly clear to me, that he was the master of his bass guitar, he was really enjoying the music he was playing. I could see in his face, the raw and yet enthusiastic emotion of what Thrash Metal really was. I will never forget that night, nor can I forget seeing Cliff Burton truly feel the Thrash music he was playing. Again, this is my own personal, live, first hand account from what I witnessed while watching Cliff Burton play his bass. (I of course remember James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich and Kirk Hammett too from that night!).
The New Haven concert was of course, bigger, therefore my nose bleed seat did not afford me the exclusiveness of being up close to the stage this time around. However, I did witness Metallica with Cliff Burton for a second time, live – they literally blew the roof off the coliseum with their brand of Thrash Metal fury! I remember gazing down on the entire stage, revering Metallica, taking it all in, taking each person on that stage for granted. Now, reflecting back, I grin while thinking of the New Haven concert. On that night, the thrill of seeing Metallica was euphoric to say the least, yet I was also equally thrilled that night to see Ozzy Osbourne on stage too. Just to pause for a moment, I and no one else for that matter on that particular evening, knew, that this very well would be the last time we would see the great Cliff Burton play his bass guitar live. These Metal life lessons have taught me to no longer take any person you enjoy for granted. Reflecting on these terrific Metal moments of my past reminds me, to cherish the moments I have today, to cherish family, friends, Metal music and good times.
Clifford Lee Burton – February 10, 1962 – September 27, 1986
Congratulations, Cliff Burton, on your induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with your band Metallica, on April 4, class of 2009!
Greatest Metal album ever – the saga continues!
Posted in Album Review, Death Metal, Drums, Extreme Metal, Guitar, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, Iron Maiden, james hetfield, Led Zeppelin, Metal, Metal Reviews, Metallica, Music, ozzy, Thrash Metal with tags Deep Purple, Heavy Metal, Metallica, Music, Ozzy Osbourne, Thrash Metal on March 27, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
You know, after writing my last article regarding the greatest Metal album ever, I will refuse to ponder! After sleeping on the thoughts of what makes a Metal album the greatest of all time, I realized that I cannot be a jelly head and not step up and announce what I feel is the greatest Metal album ever created. Patience is a virtue however, I need to continue my research, add more lists of great & legendary Metal albums as nominees, follow my Metal heart and then decide. So, in a Metal nutshell, this topic shall be a series of articles leading up to my personal Metal decision on what Metal album is the greatest of greats. I may have a decision within days, it may take a couple of weeks, I am in no rush to make such an important and personal Metal decision! For once the decision is made, I cannot go back on my Metal word and say – “but” or “I changed my mind” – none of that immaturity will I bestow on the world of my fellow Metalheads out there. Now, without further delay, here is a list of 15 more incredible Metal albums that I have personally nominated to might become the greatest of all time. (There is no importance at this time in regards to the order of this list, these again, are nominees):
1. Guns N’ Roses – “Appetite for Destruction”
2. Metallica – “Ride the Lightning”
3. Thin Lizzy – “Jailbreak”
4. AC/DC – “Back In Black”
5. AC/DC – “Powerage”
6. Iron Maiden – “Iron Maiden”
7. Iron Maiden – “Piece of Mind”
8. Judas Priest – “Stained Class”
9. King Diamond – “Abigail”
10. Exodus – “Bonded By Blood”
11. Ozzy Osbourne – “Blizzard of Oz”
12. Black Sabbath – “Heaven and Hell”
13. Deep Purple – “Machine Head”
14. Anthrax – “Among the Living”
15. Pantera – “Cowboys From Hell”
I definitely will have to continue on with some more nominations here, I am not going to just rattle them off the top of my Metal head, I need to clearly think about the albums and then justify to myself their significance to the world of Metal. I find this truly fun, it really beats watching the 24 hour news networks and listening to their robotic talking heads reading from tele-prompters! There will be more nominees to come, stay tuned, be patient, I will make an informed Metal decision on choosing the greatest Metal album ever.
What is the greatest Metal album ever? Something to ponder…
Posted in Album Review, Death Metal, Drums, Extreme Metal, Guitar, Hair Metal, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, james hetfield, Metal, Metal Reviews, Metallica, Music, ozzy, Power Metal, Slayer, Slipknot, Thrash Metal, Vocals with tags Black Sabbath, Heavy Metal, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Motorhead, Music, Ozzy Osbourne, Rush, Slayer, Slipknot on March 27, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Here we go, a “fun” exercise in Heavy Metal debate, one of the more controversial question’s in Metal music history. What Metal band made the greatest Metal album ever? I like to cut to the chase by having this debate as “all inclusive,” meaning every Metal genre get’s involved here. This without doubt, becomes a personal issue for most Metal fans, I can accept that for I take this topic very personal as well. I never like to get caught up with which genre of Metal is better, nor do I like to get childish and say Slipknot is better than…
The age old question of what is the greatest Metal album ever has more of a historical importance to it. This is really an open ended question, for what merits the album to be the greatest anyway? Does the greatest Metal album have to be from the onset of Heavy Metal, say the late 1960’s – early 1970’s? Would this be due in part for the greatest Metal album would be the cornerstone and/or building block of the future of all Metal music? It is an obvious acceptance in the world of Metal music, that “hit” singles do not constitute any appreciation, applause or adulation amongst real Metal fans. Metal music, as a rule, is underground, dark, no hits needed please. The Heavy Metal and Hair Metal genres have garnered most of the “hit” singles for us, that is fine with me. My main point I am conveying here is it should not be necessary for the greatest Metal album ever to be loaded with radio friendly hit songs.
There are many ideas to consider when choosing the greatest Metal album ever, the list could actually be endless with criteria! Here are some questions that could be posed to this debate:
1. Is the album groundbreaking for it’s Metal genre?
2. Is the album representative of a sound that is fresh & new while still staying true to Metal?
3. Musically, is the album cutting edge? Is the album musically basic?
4. Does the greatest Metal album incorporate several Metal genres? Does it bestow influences of past Metal?
5. How memorable should this Metal album be? Quite memorable for me I am sure.
6. Is the greatest Metal album ever – created by a powerhouse/well known Metal band, or a more “fan favorite” underground Metal band?
7. Just as I feel about the hit singles approach, I do not/never have given any credence to the sales figures or chart position of any of my favorite Metal albums, I leave that to the “Pop” & “bubble gum” music world thank you.
8. Is this greatest Metal album ever a concept album? Could it possibly be an EP?
9. Could the greatest Metal album ever be just instrumental? Partial vocals?
10. Could the album cover have any influence on how a person feels about the music? I could not be swayed by the album art when making a decision on the greatest Metal album ever.
Well, it is all about preference when it really counts. Many Metal fans want their greatest Metal album to be the heaviest music there is out there, while other Metal fans may opt for history being made in the music, on this album. I really do not see any wrong or right way to judge, I feel it becomes far too personal a choice for me to truly make. This is why I have to chuckle when some music critic in the mainstream media comes up with a personal choice of the greatest Metal album of all time. A bigger chuckle for me is when a readers choice poll gets printed in a mainstream music magazine and it is the classic, cliche’ unveiling of a Metal album that is thrown down your throat – that this is the Metal album of the ages.
For those who feel I should be more adventurous and just say which Metal album is what I consider to be the greatest of all time, well, here are a few candidates I feel are worthy. Forgive me for not being able to say which album I deem as the all time greatest Metal masterpiece. I am guilty of loving all Metal and I am infatuated with too many Metal albums to nail it down to just one greatest. Here is my top ten list, not in any particular order, for nominees of the greatest Metal album of all time.
1. Metallica – “Master of Puppets”
2. Queensryche – “Operation Mindcrime”
3. Black Sabbath – “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”
4. Slipknot – “All Hope Is Gone”
5. Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Are You Experienced”
6. Led Zeppelin – “Physical Graffiti”
7. Slayer – “Reign In Blood”
8. Rush – “2112”
9. Black Sabbath – “Black Sabbath”
10. Motorhead – “Ace of Spades”
In a perfect world, sure, I would pick one of these fine Metal albums above and bestow it as the greatest ever. I am certain my list of nominees are quite different than my fellow Metalhead fans out there, some may agree partially to my list. Tomorrow, for heaven sake, this list of mine could change in a heartbeat! That is how amazing Metal music is for me, I could honestly come up with another list of 10 nominees for greatest Metal album ever! Somewhere out in the world of Metal music, is the greatest Metal album ever recorded. It is definitely being listened to and enjoyed by an unknown number of Metalheads, at this moment you are reading this article. Rest assured, this list is not set in Metal stone for me, yet I do reflect back to these Metal releases each and every time that I ponder the greatest Metal album ever…
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