Master of Reality (CD - 1971)

While other frontrunners of hard rock/metal like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple began dabbling in other musical forms (folk and string symphonies, respectively), Black Sabbath stuck close to its original direction and was rewarded with several of the most enduring rock releases of all time. Coming off the worldwide breakthrough of the band's 1971's landmark, PARANOID, MASTER OF REALITY (released the same year) proved to be Sabbath's third classic in a row. Like all Sabbath albums of the era, not a second of filler is present--even the lesser-known material is superb.

The album's opening track, "Sweet Leaf," a salute to one of the band's favorite smokeable substances, contains one of metal's heaviest guitar riffs, courtesy of Tony Iommi. Another eternal band favorite is the grim, post-nuclear war tale "Children of the Grave." Vocalist Ozzy Osbourne is in fine voice on "After Forever" and "Lord of this World," while the more tranquil "Solitude" and the instrumental Iommi compositions "Embryo" and "Orchid" offer a bit of variety. Though not quite as influential as PARANOID, MASTER OF REALITY remains one of heavy metal's founding gems. minimize