"Heaven and Hell" was the first album after singer Ozzy Osbourne left the band and was the first album featuring Ronnie James Dio , formerly of Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, who brought his own unique style of song writing and vocalisation to the "Black Sabbath" band.
"Heaven and Hell" is a highly influential 12" vinyl LP album by the legendary heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Released in 1980, it marked a significant turning point in the band's career. This was the first album they recorded after the departure of their original vocalist, Ozzy Osbourne, and the introduction of Ronnie James Dio as the new lead singer.
Dio, previously known for his work with Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, brought a fresh perspective and a powerful voice to Black Sabbath. His distinct songwriting and vocalization style infused the band's music with a renewed energy and vitality. The album showcased Dio's soaring vocals, combining elements of operatic grandeur with gritty, hard-hitting metal.
"Heaven and Hell" featured a collection of powerful and memorable tracks that solidified Black Sabbath's status as one of the pioneers of heavy metal. The title track, "Heaven and Hell", remains one of their most iconic songs, with its epic structure, captivating melodies, and powerful lyrics. Other notable tracks on the album include "Neon Knights", "Die Young", and "Children of the Sea", each displaying Dio's lyrical prowess and the band's dynamic musicianship.
Musically, "Heaven and Hell" showcased a shift towards a more melodic and progressive sound, while still retaining the signature heavy and dark atmosphere that Black Sabbath was known for. The album's production was crisp and polished, allowing each instrument to shine, and highlighting the band's tight and cohesive performance.
With "Heaven and Hell", Black Sabbath proved that they could not only survive the departure of their iconic frontman but also reinvent themselves and deliver an album that would stand the test of time. Dio's addition to the band breathed new life into their music and opened up exciting new possibilities for their sound.
Early British Heavy Metal, Hard Rock
The album: "BLACK SABBATH - Heaven and Hell DIO" was produced by: Martin Birch
Martin Birch Martin Birch was an English music producer and engineer who was active from the late 1960s to the early 2000s. He was born on 26th June 1948 in East Molesey, England, and began his career as a producer and engineer in the late 1960s, working with several notable British bands of the time, including Deep Purple , Iron Maiden , Rainbow and others.
Birch's biggest contributions to music came in the 1970s and 1980s, when he worked as a producer and engineer for several of the most influential and popular heavy metal bands of the era, including Black Sabbath, Rainbow, and most notably, Iron Maiden. He was an important figure in the development of the heavy metal genre, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important producers of heavy metal music.
Birch's approach to production was characterized by his use of powerful and dynamic sound, which helped to define the sound of heavy metal in the 1970s and 1980s. He was known for his ability to bring out the best in the musicians he worked with, and for his willingness to experiment and take risks in the studio. He was also known for his commitment to quality and his attention to detail, which helped to ensure that the albums he produced had a timeless quality and still sound great decades after their original release.
Birch worked with Iron Maiden for over two decades, producing several of the band's most iconic and enduring albums, including "The Number of the Beast," "Powerslave," and "Somewhere in Time." He was an important part of the band's creative process, and helped to shape the band's sound and style.
Martin Birch retired from music production in the early 2000s, but his legacy lives on through the music he produced and the countless musicians he inspired and influenced. He is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of heavy metal music, and his contributions to the genre continue to be celebrated and revered.
Martin Birch's production style was known for its clarity, power and dynamic sound. He was an early adopter of using multi-track recording and employed innovative recording techniques, such as creating layered soundscapes by recording and re-recording guitar parts multiple times, to achieve his desired sound. He was also known for his use of echo and reverb to create a sense of depth and space in his recordings.
Birch was known for his ability to bring out the best in the musicians he worked with and his hands-on approach to production. He was often involved in the arrangements and would often suggest changes to the songs to enhance their impact. He was also known for his attention to detail, taking the time to get the sound just right, and his dedication to quality, always striving to make each album sound as good as it could.
Aside from his work with Iron Maiden, Birch also produced albums for several other influential heavy metal bands, including Judas Priest , Black Sabbath and Rainbow . He was also sought after by other musicians from outside of the heavy metal genre, and worked with artists such as Fleetwood Mac , The Move, and Deep Purple .
Birch was awarded with several gold and platinum records for his work, and was recognized for his contributions to the heavy metal genre with induction into the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame in 2006.
Although Martin Birch retired from music production in the early 2000s, his legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and producers today. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures in the history of heavy metal music, and his work continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans of the genre around the world.
Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Joe Foglia
Album cover design and illustrations: Harry Carmean, Lynn Curlee, Richard Seireeni
Vertigo 6302 017 (6302 017)
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
Year & Country: 1980 Made in Germany
Ronald James Padavona, better known as Ronnie James Dio, was born on 10 July 1942, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He would later become one of the most influential and iconic figures in the history of heavy metal music. Dio's powerful vocals, distinct stage presence, and songwriting abilities earned him the title of the "King of Heavy Metal".
Dio's musical journey began in 1957 when he formed his first band called The Vegas Kings, where he showcased his talents as a lead singer. Over the next few years, he went on to perform with various bands, including Ronnie and the Rumblers and Ronnie and the Redcaps. These early experiences helped him develop his vocal skills and stage persona.
In 1961, Dio joined Ronnie and the Prophets, a band that gained some local popularity. During this time, he experimented with different musical styles and expanded his repertoire. In 1967, the band changed its name to The Electric Elves and later simply The Elves. As The Elves, they played a blend of rock and blues, laying the groundwork for Dio's future ventures.
In 1972, the band transformed once again and became known as ELF. Their music continued to evolve, incorporating elements of hard rock and progressive rock. ELF released three studio albums, showcasing Dio's exceptional vocal range and his ability to captivate audiences.
Dio's big breakthrough came in 1975 when he joined the British rock band Rainbow, founded by former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. With Dio as the lead vocalist, Rainbow gained international recognition and released several critically acclaimed albums. Dio's powerful vocals and poetic lyrics contributed to the band's success, and he quickly became a respected figure in the rock music scene.
In 1979, Dio made yet another significant move in his career by joining Black Sabbath, replacing the band's original vocalist, Ozzy Osbourne. With Dio, Black Sabbath released the classic albums "Heaven and Hell" (1980) and "Mob Rules" (1981), which revitalized the band's sound and solidified their place in heavy metal history.
In 1982, Dio formed his own band, simply named DIO, and embarked on a highly successful solo career. The band released numerous albums, including the critically acclaimed "Holy Diver" (1983) and "The Last in Line" (1984), which showcased Dio's songwriting abilities and his powerful vocals.
Dio reunited with Black Sabbath for a brief period from 1991 to 1992 and again from 2006 to 2010 under the name Heaven & Hell. The band released the album "The Devil You Know" (2009) before Dio's untimely death in 2010.
Throughout his career, Ronnie James Dio influenced countless musicians and fans with his distinctive voice, theatrical stage presence, and unwavering passion for heavy metal. His lyrics often explored fantasy and mythology, adding depth and a unique dimension to his music.
Bill Ward (Full-name: William Thomas Ward) an English drummer and percussionist, best known as a founding member of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. He played with Black Sabbath from their formation in 1969 until 1980 and again from 1983 to 1985 and from 1990 to 1992. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath.
Ward was born in Birmingham, England in 1948, and began playing drums at a young age. In 1969, he co-founded Black Sabbath with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and singer Ozzy Osbourne. Over the course of their career, Black Sabbath released numerous hit albums and became one of the biggest and most influential heavy metal bands of all time.
Ward's drumming is characterized by its power, precision, and versatility, and he is widely recognized as one of the greatest drummers in the history of heavy metal. He is known for his innovative use of syncopation, his ability to create complex rhythms, and his use of unconventional drumming techniques, such as using drumsticks and bare hands.
In addition to his work with Black Sabbath, Ward has also collaborated with numerous other artists, including Vinny Appice, Max Cavalera, and Chris Slade. He has been awarded numerous accolades for his contributions to the genre, and his contributions to heavy metal and rock music continue to be celebrated and recognized by fans and industry professionals alike.
Tony Iommi (Full-name: Anthony Frank Iommi) an English guitarist and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist and one of the founding members of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Iommi is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important figures in the history of heavy metal, and is credited with helping to shape the sound and style of the genre.
Iommi was born in Birmingham, England in 1948 and began playing guitar at a young age. In 1969, he formed Black Sabbath with singer Ozzy Osbourne, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1970, is considered one of the first heavy metal albums and is widely regarded as a classic of the genre. Over the course of their career, Black Sabbath released numerous hit albums, including "Paranoid" (1970), "Master of Reality" (1971), and "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" (1973).
Iommi's guitar playing is characterized by his heavy, driving riffs, intricate solos, and use of distortion and feedback. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest guitarists in the history of rock music and has been awarded numerous accolades for his contributions to the genre. In 2005, he was ranked number 25 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time.
In addition to his work with Black Sabbath, Iommi has also collaborated with numerous other artists and released several solo albums. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath, and his contributions to heavy metal and rock music continue to be celebrated and recognized by fans and industry professionals alike.
Anthony Frank Iommi was born in Birmingham, City and Borough of Birmingham, England, United Kingdom on 19 February 1948. He is the first child of Anthony Frank Iommi Sr. and Sylvia Maria Valenti.
One of his partners was Valery Iommi 1987. He married Susan Snowdon in 1973. He married Melinda Diaz in 1980. He married Maria Sjöholm in 2005. He was 25 years old when he married Susan Snowdon. He was 32 years old when he married Melinda Diaz. He was 57 years old when he married Maria Sjöholm. He got divorced from Valery Iommi in 1993. He got divorced from Susan Snowdon in 1976. He got divorced from Melinda Diaz in 1985. He has one daughter with Melinda Diaz: Toni-Marie Iommi.
During 1980 he works as a musician in "Heaven and Hell", Black Sabbath. He was 32 years old at that point. During 1989 he works as a musician in "Headless Cross", Black Sabbath. He was 41 years old at that point. During 1989 he works as a musician in "Headless Cross", Black Sabbath. He was 41 years old at that point. His occupation is guitarist.
Terry "Geezer" Butler (Full-name: Terence Michael Joseph "Geezer" Butler) is an English bassist and songwriter, best known as the bassist and primary lyricist for the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important bassists in the history of heavy metal, and is credited with helping to shape the sound and style of the genre.
Butler was born in Birmingham, England in 1949 and formed Black Sabbath in 1969 with singer Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, and drummer Bill Ward. The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1970, is considered one of the first heavy metal albums and is widely regarded as a classic of the genre. Over the course of their career, Black Sabbath released numerous hit albums, including "Paranoid" (1970), "Master of Reality" (1971), and "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" (1973).
Butler's bass playing is characterized by his heavy, driving basslines, innovative use of distortion and effects, and his ability to create memorable melodies and grooves. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest bassists in the history of rock music and has been awarded numerous accolades for his contributions to the genre. In 2005, he was ranked number 90 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 greatest bassists of all time.
In addition to his work with Black Sabbath, Butler has also collaborated with numerous other artists and released several solo albums. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath, and his contributions to heavy metal and rock music continue to be celebrated and recognized by fans and industry professionals alike.
Black Sabbath is one of the most influential and groundbreaking bands in the history of rock and heavy metal music. Formed in Birmingham, England in 1968, the band consisted of lead vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. With their unique sound and dark imagery, Black Sabbath single-handedly created the heavy metal genre and laid the foundation for countless metal bands that followed.
Black Sabbath's sound was heavily influenced by blues rock, but they took it to a new level with the incorporation of dark and eerie elements. Their music often featured heavy and distorted guitar riffs, bass-driven grooves, and powerful drum beats, and the lyrics often dealt with darker and more ominous themes, such as death, evil, and the occult. This combination of hard-hitting music and lyrics that dealt with taboo subject matter was a departure from the more upbeat and lighthearted music that was popular at the time, and it quickly gained a cult following.
One of the key elements of Black Sabbath's sound was Tony Iommi's distinctive guitar playing. Iommi was known for his fast and aggressive playing style, which was characterized by his use of powerful riffs and solos. Despite losing the tips of two of his fingers in a factory accident, Iommi was able to adapt his playing style to accommodate the injury, and his signature sound became one of the hallmarks of the heavy metal genre.
In addition to their music, Black Sabbath's image was also a major factor in their appeal. The band was known for their dark and mysterious stage presence, and their album covers and merchandise often featured imagery of death, evil, and the occult. This aesthetic helped to further set them apart from other bands of the time and gave them a unique and memorable identity.Black Sabbath's impact on the heavy metal genre cannot be overstated. They were one of the first bands to play what would later be called heavy metal, and they paved the way for countless metal bands that followed. The band's influence can be heard in countless metal and hard rock bands, from early heavy metal pioneers like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, to more contemporary bands like Slayer and Metallica.
Despite their success and influence, Black Sabbath faced numerous challenges throughout their career. The band was often criticized for their dark and controversial image, and they were frequently targeted by moral and religious groups who saw their music and lyrics as a threat to society. Despite these challenges, the band continued to produce new music and tour, and their popularity only continued to grow.
Black Sabbath had several line-up changes throughout their career. Here is a list of the most notable line-ups:
Original line-up (1968–1979): Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums). This is considered the classic line-up of the band, and they recorded some of their most iconic albums together, including "Black Sabbath," "Paranoid," "Master of Reality," and "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath."
WWA 101 , 1975 , United Kingdom
This album "Attention! Volume Two" is a compilation album with Black Sabbath songs from the 1970's and includes some classic songs like: "Rat Salad" and "War Pigs".
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Vertigo 847.903 847903 , 1970 , France
"Black Sabbath" is the debut album by the British Heavy Metal band with the same name.
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Vertigo 814 271 , 1983 , West-Germany
This album cover eventually caused controversy and has been hated by some fans.
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Discos Victoria VLP-101 / 30.465, 30.466, 30.467 / 9094/3, Iberofon SA , 1984 , Spain
This "Collection Vol 1" is a hard to find compilation box-set containing 3 12" vinyl LP's.
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I.R.S 7 13155 , 1992 , EEC
Dehumanizer is the first album in over a decade to re-unite Ronnie James Dio and Vinny Appice
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Vertigo 832 708 , 1987, Netherlands
"Black Sabbath's 'The Eternal Idol' (1987) ushered in a new era with vocalist Tony Martin. Produced by Patrick Meehan, Jeff Glixman, Chris Tsangarides, and Vic Coppersmith-Heaven, it showcased the band's evolution. Recorded at top studios, the album's sonic exploration and production finesse, coupled with striking cover art by Shoot That Tiger! and Cindy Palmano, solidified its impact. Released under Vertigo Records, it stands as a pivotal chapter in Black Sabbath's history."
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NEMS NEL 6009 , 1977 , West-Germany
This is the "Greatest Hits" compilation album released in 1977 on the NEMS Record Label. The illustration on the album front cover is "El Triunfo de la Muerte" by Pieter Bruegel, El Viejo and the record's label is white with black typography
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1977
This is the "Greatest Hits" compilation album released in 1977 on the NEMS Record Label. The illustration on the album front cover is "El Triunfo de la Muerte" by Pieter Bruegel, El Viejo and the record's label shows a "Fried Egg".
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I.R.S. 064-24 1005 , 1989 , EEC
This album "Headless Cross" has been released in 1989 on the I.R.S. Record Label and the band features "Brian May" , "Tony Martin", "Cozy Powell" and "Laurence Cottle".
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Vertigo 6302 017 (6302 017) , 1980 , Germany
"Heaven and Hell" was the first album after singer Ozzy Osbourne left the band and was the first album featuring Ronnie James Dio , formerly of Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, who brought his own unique style of song writing and vocalisation to the "Black Sabbath" band.
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Vertigo 6302 202 , 1983 , West-Germany
"Live Evil", released in 1982 and in January 1983 in the UK, is the first "official" live album by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, the previously released Live at Last (1980) not having been sanctioned by the band. It was recorded with Ronnie James Dio singing and is a document of the Mob Rules World Tour
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Vertigo 6650 009, Vertigo 6302 202, Vertigo 6302 203 , 1983 , Netherlands
Black Sabbath's "Live Evil" 2LP Album, released on December 16, 1982, immortalizes the band's live prowess during their 1982 world tour. Recorded at iconic venues, the album seamlessly blends classics from the Ozzy era with Dio's powerful vocals, showcasing Black Sabbath's evolution. A sonic journey through their discography, "Live Evil" stands as a timeless testament to the band's enduring impact on heavy metal.
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Vertigo PRID 11 / 826-882 , 1983 , Netherlands
"Live Evil" is the first official live album by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath.
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NEMS - NEL 6004 , 1976 , USA
This album "Master of Reality (US)" is the third album released by the British Heavy Metal band: Black Sabbath.
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Warner Bros (WB) Records BS 2562 , Canada
This is the Canadian release of "Master of Reality" the third album released by the British Heavy Metal band: Black Sabbath.
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WWA Records WWA 008 , 1971 , England
This is the English release of "Master of Reality" , the third album released by the British Heavy Metal band: Black Sabbath.
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Vertigo 9124 101 , Vertigo 9124 101 1978 , Germany
"Never Say Day" is the 1978 official full-length album by the British Rock band "Black Sabbath"
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Vertigo 6360 011 (6360011) , 1970 , England
This is the collectable copy of Paranoid with the full swirl on the inner sleeve as well as on the record label. This page describes all the details of this album Paranoid.
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Vertigo AA 6360 011 (6360011) , 1970 , Germany
This is an early German release of Paranoid by Black Sabbath with the full swirl on the record label. This page describes all the details of this album.
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Warner Bros BS 2822 , 1975 , USA
This page describes "Sabotage" the sixth full-length album by "Black Sabbath" and released in 1975.
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Vertigo 6360 071 , 1972 , United Kingdom
"Vol 4" was originally to be titled Snowblind, after one of several tracks referring to cocaine use. The album was recorded in California, the first time Sabbath had recorded a studio album outside the United Kingdom.
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Vertigo 6360 071 , 1972 , France
This is the French Edition of Black Sabbath's Vol 4 which was originally to be titled Snowblind, after one of several tracks referring to cocaine use. The album was recorded in California, the first time Sabbath had recorded a studio album outside the United Kingdom.
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Victoria Records VLP 106 / 40.470 , 1984 , Spain
This is the rare Spanish Edition of Black Sabbath's - We Sold Our Soul for Rock and Roll".
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