BLACK SABBATH~PARANOID

BLACK SABBATH ~ PARANOID

Black Sabbath was in the studio four months after they released the majorly successful debut album Black Sabbath. The outcome was the masterpiece album Paranoid. The album not only topped the UK album charts but also sold over four million copies in the United States with no radio airplay. There are many statements on how the album was titled or what it was originally going to be titled but regardless, Paranoid was a staple album at the time and has influenced many artists that have followed.

This album and Black Sabbath in general has made a huge impact on artists up and coming. Ozzy Osbourne, “The Prince of Darkness” has not only made a huge impact on the metal scene but the gothic scene as well. Bands such as Metallica, Slayer, Cradle of Filth etc., would not be what they are without Black Sabbath’s influence. The band has many characteristics that make them unique in their own way and in their own time. Some may consider their sound and image was the introduction to shock rock. Some may consider the lyrical content too controversial, especially in their time. With lyrical imagery labeled as evil by some people, others perceived it as a new rebellious style of rock and roll.

I personally love Black Sabbath, especially their first two albums. I honestly think if both albums were released as a double album, it would have been phenomenal. After all, the single to the song “Paranoid” was released with “The Wizard”. I own five Black Sabbath albums on vinyl but whenever I play their first album, Paranoid must follow. I have also seen Black Sabbath in concert one time and Ozzy in concert three times. I have seen the Ozzfest concerts with many bands performing stating what an influence Black Sabbath and Ozzy has been on them.

I see myself fitting into this this style of music with my own twist, now and five years down the road. I really appreciate the morbid twist to musical art and I naturally apply that to my own music. In my opinion it is freedom of expression. Some people still don’t get the concept of the song “War Pigs” that introduced Black Sabbath’s Paranoid album just as some people will not understand Marilyn Manson’s image or lyrical concepts. In my opinion, I believe it is genius and not necessarily shock rock. The people that are shocked in a negative way by these artists may need to take a look in the mirror and also look in the rearview as well.

"RIAA Gold & Platinum database-Paranoid". Retrieved 22 February 2009.

Black Sabbath Biography at Rolling Stone