Considered by many to be the first heavy metal band, Black Sabbath was formed in 1968 by Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward…
With the release of 2013's 13, metal deities Black Sabbath came back not just with their first studio album since 1995, but with a return to the inspired sludginess and demonic crunch of some of their classic early material. The band embarked on a massive tour in support of the album, and Gathered in Their Masses captures live performances from the first two kick-off gigs in Melbourne, Australia. All of the band's original members are present except drummer Bill Ward, and the group powered through set lists somewhat light on material from newer album 13, but padded generously with crowd favorites from the band's untouchable first six albums. Newer jams like "End of the Beginning" sit beside metal blueprints like "Iron Man" and "War Pigs," and the sound of a post-apocalyptic soiree can be heard in the energy of the crowd and the band alike.
Everybody knows that Black Sabbath's legacy rests on their first four albums – after that, they lost their luster, or more precisely their mythic power. At their peak, which is how they are remembered, Sabbath were all about myth and power. Their very name had an ominous resonance, capturing their murky, foreboding sound perfectly…
Limited 2010 Sanctuary Records limited release 13 CD box set. Includes complete albums set in exclusive Japanese style miniature LP covers with booklets, housed in Cross Box with lid cover. Contains a complete 100 page Ozzy Years Discography Booklet “The illustrated Black Sabbath Vinyl Collector's Guide & Selected Discography 1970 – 1978” featuring rare covers from throughout the world, plus 3 Exclusive Radio Documentaries, Guitar Pick Set, Poster…