Black Sabbath | Master of Reality | Album
Black Sabbath "Master of Reality"
LP (NEW) - Vinyl, Sanctuary, UK, 2015, BMGRM055LP, 180g Vinyl, Reissue, Embossed Sleeve
CD (NM) Near Mint - Sanctuary Records BMG, Europe, 2004, SMRCD033, Remastered, Booklet Insert
Master of Reality (1971) is widely regarded by modern critics and fans as the definitive foundation of doom metal, stoner rock, and sludge metal. While it was often panned by critics upon its initial release for being "repetitive" or "monotonous," it has since become a double-platinum masterpiece. Guitarist Tony Iommi downtuned his strings three semitones (to C#) to relieve tension on his injured fingertips. This created a "bigger, heavier sound" that became the blueprint for heavy metal's darker subgenres. Bassist Geezer Butler also downtuned to match Iommi, resulting in a dense, "murky" wall of sound that feels more physical and atmospheric than the band's previous work. Amidst the heavy riffs, the album features shorter instrumental interludes like "Embryo" and "Orchid," as well as the haunting, flute-led ballad "Solitude".
Artist Website: blacksabbath.com
More by Artist: Black Sabbath
Related Artists: Ozzy Osbourne, Heaven & Hell, Ronnie James Dio
