Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell

Artist - Black Sabbath

Album - Heaven and Hell

Released - April 25, 1980

Genre - Heavy Metal

Reviewed By - Mohammad Zubair Ahmad

Dazzling, exceptional, glorious, magnificent - There probably is not enough words to aptly describe the 'comeback' album of heavy metal legends Black Sabbath. The Ozzy era was over - the dark riffs coupled with the haunting lyrics were not coming back again. The characteristic early Sabbath sound was not a novelty any more and a couple of rather weak albums (by Sabbath standards at least) did not seem to evoke the same passions as a Paranoid or Sabotage. But this was exactly were the legendary Tony Iommi played his masterstroke. Getting ex-Rainbow lead vocalist Ronnie James Dio on board was nothing but a piece of tactical acumen with the result visible (and more audible) for decades to come.

RJD's song writing prowess is exemplified in this album more than anywhere else. Not even 'Mob rules' comes within yards of this work. His vocal range and singing abilities on the other hand need no introduction. All in all, the entire combo for this album was the perfect one. In fact it is also one of Bill Ward's better works during his eminent decline. Dio's lyrics focus on magical fantasies with no better example than the first track 'Neon Knights'. Characteristic Iommi riffs, fast and furious with barrels of energy and a medium length staccato solo thrown in-between bring up the perfect combination with Dio's operatic vocals. His 'Circles and rings, Dragons and rings' weave 'a charm and a spell' and can teleport a listener with a vivacious imagination down the rabbit hole into the lands of fantasies. This song is my personal favorite and going by the audience reaction at a recent show where the guys performed this as the encore, it is without a doubt one of their best ever.

Such a huge beginning to the album is certainly hard to follow. A soft intro to 'Children of the Sea' makes the transition soothing. This song again highlights Dio fantastic vocal range as he sings it mainly in a lower key with a decidedly base tone. The set of 'Look Out's at the end make it a joy to sing along for anyone listening. Dio's dedication to the wanton, wicked 'Lady evil' follows, who's a magical but mystical woman while identifying her as the queen of the night. The picture is painted so aptly with each and every stanza in the song and the Iommi solo paints a darker picture, all the while giving you time to contemplate Dio's warning.

The album starts off at a peak and it reaches another peak of stratospheric heights with 'Heaven and Hell'. This song is all Ronnie from start to end. He eclipses even Iommi's solid guitaring completely and one can only remain mesmerized by his abilities as he raises his pitch, lowers it down, starts with a slower tempo and ultimately aggravates, sharpens and escalates before slowing right down once again. A perfect guitar solo seems to raise the pulse rates right near the end. Yet another high point of the album.

The remaining songs in the album are well worth their place too with 'Die Young' as yet another masterpiece. This album incorporates every characteristic of a traditional heavy metal record, and something more. Lyrical brilliance, breathtaking guitar riffs, sparkling bass lines - there could be nothing better to do. People say one can always improve. This album proves it wrong. Perfection is attainable and this is proof of that. A wholesome album which should be a must-have for anyone who considers himself an avid lover of heavy metal.

Rating - 5/5

Tracklisting -

1. "Neon Knights" - 3:49

2. "Children of the Sea" - 5:30

3. "Lady Evil" - 4:22

4. "Heaven and Hell" - 6:56

5. "Wishing Well" - 4:02

6. "Die Young" - 4:41

7. "Walk Away" - 4:21

8. "Lonely Is the Word" - 5:49

All songs written & arranged by Ronnie James Dio / Tony Iommi / Bill Ward / Geezer Butler Lyrics by Ronnie James Dio.