Sporting a host of unheard demos, Black Sabbath's debut has been overhauled with great care. The result is a record that stands the test of time, serving as a reminder of just how influential Sabbath were in helping to create heavy metal.
Recorded in just 3 days in 1970, the eponymous album has all the hallmarks of a classic debut. From the opening sound effects of rain and a bell tolling onwards, there's an eerie sense of death lurking around every corner. Much of the tension is created by Ozzy's lyrics. Whether it's "Satan sitting there smiling" or 'The Wizard' who never talks but just "keeps on walking, spreading his magic", Osbourne transports you to a different world.
The musicianship on display here is also of the highest standard with none of the screeching guitars of later metal. Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler create blues-inspired riffs and basslines that make your speakers shake with fear. That's perhaps why this deluxe edition works so well, because over 30 years after these tracks were originally released, these newly remastered versions now sound more spectacular than ever.
But is that really a reason to splash the cash if you already own the album? It depends how devoted you are to Sabbath, and all but the most devoted of fans are unlikely to listen to the bonus disc of unreleased demos more than a couple of times. The nine extra tracks here are almost identical musically to their previously released counterparts. Aside from adding 'Wicked World', that originally only featured on the US release, and a different version of 'Evil Woman' there's not a lot to draw the crowds.
That being said these songs all stand up as classics and Ozzy's approach to the vocals does differ somewhat in the demos that were recorded as live studio takes. Moments such as his declaration that he can't remember the lyrics (which sounds like an outtake from the Osbournes), before a stumble free run through of 'Black Sabbath' are priceless.
The deluxe edition of Black Sabbath may be a historical artefact detailing the blueprints for the birth of metal, but the casual listener may find it unnecessary to own multiple versions of these songs. For everyone else who loves Sabbath or just Ozzy, it's well worth the admission price for the remastering alone.
Rating: 3/5