- USA release
This album "Master of Reality (US)" is the third album released by the British Heavy Metal band: Black Sabbath.
On this page you will find a detailed description of the album BLACK SABBATH - Master of Reality ( USA ) with large photos of the album cover ( front and back ) and vinyl records.
Released in 1971, Black Sabbath's "Master of Reality" stands as a pivotal album in the world of heavy metal history. Emerging amidst a backdrop of social unrest and cultural upheaval, this sonic monolith captured the zeitgeist of a generation disillusioned with the status quo.
Historical Context and Musical Exploration
In an era marked by the Vietnam War, political protests, and a growing countercultural movement, Black Sabbath's music resonated with a disaffected youth seeking an outlet for their frustrations. "Master of Reality" delved into dark and often taboo subjects, exploring themes of drug addiction, war, and societal decay with an unflinching honesty that both shocked and captivated listeners.
Genre and Sound
"Master of Reality" solidified Black Sabbath's position as pioneers of heavy metal, pushing the boundaries of the genre with their signature sound. Tony Iommi's down-tuned guitar riffs, Geezer Butler's thunderous basslines, Bill Ward's powerful drumming, and Ozzy Osbourne's haunting vocals coalesced to create a sonic landscape that was both heavy and hypnotic. The album's innovative use of musical elements like the cough at the beginning of "Sweet Leaf" and the use of a cello in "Solitude" further expanded the sonic palette of heavy metal.
Controversies
The album's dark lyrical content and association with the burgeoning heavy metal scene sparked controversy upon its release. Some critics condemned the band for their perceived nihilism and glorification of drug use, while others hailed them as voices of a generation. This controversy only fueled the album's notoriety and cemented its place in the cultural lexicon.
Production and Recording
"Master of Reality" was produced by Rodger Bain, who had also helmed the band's previous two albums. The album was recorded at Island Studios in London, a facility known for its state-of-the-art equipment and innovative recording techniques. The band's experimentation with down-tuning their instruments during the recording process resulted in a heavier, more ominous sound that would become a hallmark of their music.
Music Genre: NWOBHM, Heavy Metal |
Album Production Information: The album: "BLACK SABBATH - Master of Reality (US)" was produced by: Rodger Bain for Tony Hall Enterprises Rodger Bain is a British music producer who has been working with Rodger Bain is a British music producer and engineer who is best known for his work on early Black Sabbath albums. He worked as a producer and engineer on the first three Black Sabbath albums: "Black Sabbath" (1970), "Paranoid" (1970), and "Master of Reality" (1971). Bain is credited with helping to shape the sound of heavy metal and hard rock, and his work with Black Sabbath is considered influential in the development of the genre. ;Bain's production style was characterized by his use of raw, powerful sound, and his ability to bring out the best in the artists he worked with. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of heavy metal production and is highly respected in the music industry for his contributions. After his work with Black Sabbath, Bain went on to work with other influential rock bands of the 1970s, including Judas Priest and UFO. He continued to work as a producer and engineer throughout his career, and his work has been recognized and celebrated by music fans and industry professionals alike.
This album was recorded at: Island Studios, London, England Album cover design: Mike Stanford, Bloomsbury group Marcus Keef (1934-2012) - Photography |
Record Label Information: NEMS - NEL 6004Media Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1976 USA |
Step into the world of the Prince of Darkness. Ozzy Osbourne, the heavy metal legend, has lived a life as wild as his music. From his Black Sabbath days to his outrageous solo career, explore the triumphs, the controversies, and the music that shaped a generation. Get ready for a journey into the heart of metal!
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.
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.
The detailed tracklist of this record "BLACK SABBATH - Master of Reality (US)" is:
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Photo of "BLACK SABBATH - Master of Reality (US)" 12" LP Record - Side One: |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
WWA 101 , 1975 , United Kingdom
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Vertigo 6302 017 (6302 017) , 1980 , Germany
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NEMS - NEL 6004 , 1976 , USA
Black Sabbath's "Master of Reality" is a 1971 heavy metal landmark. Its down-tuned riffs, dark lyrics about drugs and war, and experimental elements like a cough and cello solidified the band's sound and cemented their place in music history. Recorded at Island Studios with producer Rodger Bain,
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Warner Bros (WB) Records BS 2562 , Canada
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WWA Records WWA 008 , 1971 , England
Black Sabbath's "Master of Reality" (1971) is a landmark heavy metal album. Its down-tuned guitars, sludgy riffs, and Ozzy Osbourne's eerie vocals explore themes of drug use, war, and societal disillusionment. The album's raw sound and iconic tracks like "Sweet Leaf" and "Children of the Grave"
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Vertigo 9124 101 , Vertigo 9124 101 1978 , Germany
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Warner Bros BS 2822 , 1975 , USA
Black Sabbath's "Sabotage" (1975) is a raw and intense album that showcases a heavier, more experimental side of the band. Born out of internal turmoil and legal battles, the album features aggressive riffs, complex song structures, and darker lyrics reflecting their frustration.
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Vertigo 6360 071 , 1972 , United Kingdom
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Vertigo 6360 071 , 1972 , France
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Victoria Records VLP 106 / 40.470 , 1984 , Spain
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