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Released in 1980, after the departure of legendary frontman Ozzy
Osbourne, "Heaven And Hell" was a release that thrilled and
shocked an entire legion of Sabbath fans throughout the world. With
Ronnie James Dio bringing his masterful lyrics, along with his
iron-clad pipes into the mix, Black Sabbath reached areas that they
had never ventured to on previous recordings. Keeping the ominous
feel of Sabbath past, they incorporated some lyrical diversity and,
arguably, a stronger voice to sing them. Dio is literally the "The
Mouse That Roared". With a stature of just over five feet, and a
voice that can slay dragons, he is pure elfin magic here.
Black Sabbath was at a crossroads similar to that of AC/DC when
they lost their great lead singer, Bon Scott, to an alcohol overdose
in 1979. AC/DC hired Brian Johnson to replace Scott, and to the
astonishment of millions of fans, they cut a little record called
"Back In Black". Black Sabbath hired Dio and gave us this gem. This
is Sabbath's "Back In Black". When you saw an influential and
enigmatic frontman like Ozzy Osbourne leave the fold, you truly
wondered if the band could survive such a devastating blow. While
Sabbath was creating an entire genre of dark metal music
practically single handed, Osbourne was the man at the front of that
movement. Oceans of fans throughout the world proceeded to peg the
band as dead the minute Ozzy decided to leave the band, but little
did they realize.......they had buried the mighty Sabbath very much
alive.
For
years, alongside Sabbath, Ronnie James Dio had fronted Rainbow along
with expert guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. He had always been
acknowledged as one of the most powerful voices in rock 'n' roll.
Being a large contributor to the writing of much of the music and
lyrics, Dio was heralded as a top frontman in the business - but
fronting Sabbath would be like fronting no other band.
Droves of rabid fans were set to eat Mr. Dio alive. "We are loyal to
Ozzy and no one else", was the feeling of many a Sabbath fan. Well,
...it was until they heard these songs.
"Heaven And Hell" is a record that stays true to the Sabbath form.
Dark and brooding overtones, mixed with extraordinary guitar pieces
being supplied by guitarist Tony Iommi. The rhythm section of
drummer Bill Ward and bassist Geezer Butler remains intact, and a
constant force throughout the record also. It is with the addition
of Dio that we get the added extras, though. This album's back
alleys are littered with lyrical passages that make your head spin;
and they all get swept away by Dio's resonating vocals. His
delivery of this brilliant self-penned prose is right on the mark.
When we hear the tender tones of "Children Of The Sea" turn to a
vicious attack, or when we hear the thunderous rhythm of the title
track, we realize that these songs become complete when we hear
the lyrics.
"They say that life's a carousel
Spinning fast, you've
got to ride it well
The world is full of kings and queens
Who
blind your eyes and steal your dreams"
from "Heaven And
Hell"
or
"In
the misty morning, on the edge of time
We've lost the rising sun,
a final sign
As the misty morning rolls away to die
Reaching
for the stars, we blind the sky"
from
"Children Of The Sea"
The intensity of the opening
track, "Neon Knights", was an instant message to millions of
doubtful fans, that Black Sabbath was going to remain a visceral,
vibrant, and influential force in the heavy metal genre. Sabbath
defied the odds here, and delivered one of the best records of their
illustrious career. Die hard Ozzy/Sabbath fans, like myself,
often declare this record as one of Sabbath's best - and
that is an amazing thing.
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