HEAVEN AND HELL

It's known that I didn't quite "get" Sabbath with Ozzy - I made such a comment in my blog on Blizzard Of Ozz (www.liebackandenjoyit.com/post/blizzard-of-ozz). I had heard plenty of their tunes but they just didn't quite capture my imagination. This album, however I was interested in because of Ronnie James Dio, previously of Rainbow and possessor of one of the most powerful voices in rock. (He attributed that to his early days as a trumpet performer, having to fill his lungs to their maximum before playing!). He was an American and yet, here he was about to become the lead singer of that most English of rock outfits. Not really going to work, was it? How little did we know!

This album completely transformed Sabbath from a tired, run-down and outdated band to one that was back leading the way again. Eight tracks only, but they are all glorious. The story goes that on their first meeting, Tony Iommi (surely I don't need to tell you which instrument he plays) and Dio constructed Children Of The Sea. If this was how things were going to work, us listeners were in for a great time. Each song carries weight and power. There was a definite nod to previous Sabbath, there couldn't be anything else it was still three of the originals but there was something more. Could I say that it was more tuneful than I had heard before, purely on the basis that (and here the arguments can start) DIO WAS A BETTER SINGER THAN OZZY!

There - I said it! That was the difference for me. Someone who seemed to have control over his voice and was actually able to dominate the song. I'm not questioning Osbourne's talent, just saying Ronnie was the better singer.

Like I said earlier, there was still the outstanding riffs and powerful bass lines backed up by dependable drums. But pushed on by that voice. Iommi's riffs were big again. The track Heaven & Hell is unforgettable, Geezer Butler's bass and drums from Bill Ward (this would be his last ever appearance on a Sabbath album) flood through and try to take over. The opening track, Neon Knights lays down the marker for the rest of the album. A fast-paced, riff-laden wonder that leaves you looking for more. And more there is! Right from beginning to end, each song grabs your attention and leaves you waiting for the next one.

I can say no more on Dio's singing or Iommi's playing. Geezer Butler sounded like he had been let loose from something. He readily acknowledged in later years that he felt free to concentrate on playing, rather than coming up with lyrics too. It shows. Bill Ward is not likely to be on a top-10 of all time drummers list, but just listen to the fills and the way he drove the songs forward and indeed sat right in the song. He wasn't just there to play along with the tune. Another wonderful performance. Give Lady Evil a listen to see what I mean about Butler and Ward.

For all the great songs here, I feel it was missing that one dirty, killer riff. It would turn up on the next album in the title track. You can look that one out too. The production on H&H was handled by one, Martin Birch. He was just about to embark on a journey with a band called IRON MAIDEN. I wonder what happened to them!

My copy is a first pressing, bought at Aberdeen Vinyl, one of my favourite shops in the 'Deen. It was my first Sabbath album. Actually, my first Sabs album was the truly awful sounding "Live At Last", which I sold for a couple of quid. It WAS that bad and why this is my first real Sabbath disc.

Heaven And Hell is a listen-to-over-and-over record. Definitely not one to talk over, but to Lie Back & Enjoy It!

Track Listing:

Neon Knights

Children Of The Sea

Lady Evil

Heaven & Hell

Wishing Well

Die Young

Walk Away

Lonely Is The Word

Members:

Tony Iommi - Guitar;

Ronnie James Dio - Vocals

Geezer Butler - Bass;

Bill Ward - Drums

(Geoff Nicholls played all keyboards)