Symptom of the Universe: Original Black Sabbath (1 [Original recording remastered, Import]

Normally I don't like packages like this, because it strikes me as an attempt to get folks to just buy the same songs again. However, this time it's most definitely worth it. This isn't just a standard repackage. This set does have the songs that we know well, but these are a new remastering of the songs. This has nothing to do with the 1996 Castle Communications remaster of the albums from 1970-1987. These are NEW remasters taken from the original Warner Bros Master tapes (indeed, this bears the Warner Bros logo as well as the Rhino one). In fact, I was informed this week that the 96 Castle remasters were not "authorized" by the band - it was one of those record label things. It's not like they're illegal or something, but not a "band sponsored" item.

Anyway, the fidelity on these is quite quite spectacular. I've been listening to Sabbath since 1981, so I'm familiar with the songs, and I have to say, I've heard some bits on here that I've never heard before. They're quite astonishing. I'm not normally one to recommend a package such as this, but I can wholeheartedly recommend this package - even if you own the Castle remasters. Also, while I've not been given any formal information stating as such, one can speculate that since the songs have been remastered again from the Warner masters, you have to wonder if a reissue of the albums themselves are on the books? I don't have any info that says they will, but if so, I'll be sure to pass it on. If the studio albums are remastered and re-released again in the same method that this is, it might very well be worth it to pick 'em up again!

And that's just the songs. The packaging itself is quite good, too. There's two individual sleeves for each CD, as well as a booklet. This isn't standard jewel case packaging. And this thing is loaded, and I mean LOADED, and I mean loaded with pictures I have never seen before. I've been involved with Sabbath as a fan for a long time, and I've read numerous interviews, and seen tons of photos. Now, I do not claim to know everything about Sabbath - I'm not that foolish or naieve. However, over time, you tend to hear the same stories, and see the same promo photos. I have to say - about 90% of the photos in here I have never seen before. Some are quite QUITE awesome.

I have to say, I cannot speak more highly about this package. I got mine free as a comp from the record label (I run black-sabbath.com) as part of the group that I'm giving away next week in a contest, but even if I didn't, I would happily buy this - it's quite good. If you want to buy it yourself, click on the cover art here with the story. Major kudos to all involved in putting this together - and let's hope the apply the same quality treatment to the Ozzy era studio albums should they too be remastered and re-released!

Joe Siegler
www.black-sabbath.com

Black Sabbath was one of the original bands who started the genre of heavy metal. Their music was slow and grungy with sledgehammer riffs. Ozzy became somewhat of a folk hero due to his legendary unpredictable on and offstage antics. His charisma provided a focal point for the band even if guitarist Tony Iommi was the real leader and bassist Geezer Butler provided the majority of the lyrics. Radio favorites like "Paranoid", "Iron Man" and "Children Of The Grave" remain in Ozzy's solo set lists to this day. The best part of the set is rediscovering the lost favorites of old like "The Wizard", "Fairies Wear Boots", "Sweet Leaf", "Supernaut", "Sabbra Cadabra" and "Hole In The Sky". The band were never flashy in the current sense but their bludgeoning style won them many fans. While never critical darlings, they have proven to be highly influential. They were one the first bands to capitalize on a demonic/occult image. This image influenced many later bands such as Venom, Slayer, Mercyful Fate and a host of other foreign Black Metal bands. This is evident in songs like "Black Sabbath", "N.I.B.", "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" to name a few.

While the song selections are good for the most part, a number of worthwhile songs like "Behind The Wall of Sleep", "Electric Funeral", "Hand Of Doom", "Cornucopia" and "Killing Yourself To Live" among others were omitted in favor of weaker songs near the end of the second disk. Each disk however, contains over 75 minutes of playing time so the set is a relatively good value. Hopefully Rhino will remaster their individual disks and augment them with unissued material. Until then enjoy this welcome set of a classic pioneering metal band!

The one's I had heard before(but only once or twice, and never really liked them since I was really young when I heard them) was "War Pigs", "Paranoid", "Iron Man", "N.I.B.", and "Sabbra Caddabra".(that was on the album "Garage Inc. by Metallica) These songs were amazing, and blew me away right off the bat...then when I got around to the rest of the CD I was so happy that I spent the [money] on this gem. "Snowblind", "Changes", "Supernaut", "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath", "Symptom of the Universe", "Black Sabbath", "The Wizard", and "Children of the Grave" are just a few of the many great songs...they rank up there as some of the best songs I've ever heard.

Another thing to mention is the packaging, and the booklet that comes with it. This isn't your normal cheap CD Jewel Case...a nice cardboard outside, with pictures of the band, and a flip top on both cases. The booklet kept me interested as well, I sat there for a good thirty minutes or so reading through the whole thing; it has some very good information in it.

If your a rock fan interested in what started(or was there in the beginning) the genre, then go with this collection, you will not be dissapointed!