Black Sabbath is arguably the most influential heavy metal band of all time. The band helped to create the genre with ground breaking releases such as 'Paranoid,' an album that Rolling Stone magazine said "changed music forever," and called the band "the Beatles of heavy metal." Time Magazine called Paranoid "the birthplace of heavy metal."
Black Sabbath was formed in Birmingham in 1968 by Ozzy Osbourne (lead vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums and percussion). Originally formed as a heavy blues-rock band named Earth, the band began incorporating occult and horror-inspired lyrics with tuned-down guitars, changing their name to Black Sabbath and releasing multiple gold and platinum records in the 1970s.
The band who has been performing for over 45 years have to date sold over 70 million records which includes over 24 platinum albums in the UK alone and over fifteen million records in the United States. Black Sabbath was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
This new compilation is based around the bands set list for the current global "The End" arena tour (billed as the final tour by the greatest metal band of all time) and uses the art from the tour. The 31 track 'The Ultimate Collection' features all the bands classic songs including "Paranoid," "Iron Man," "War Pigs," "N.I.B." and "The Wizard," as well as choice cuts from their classic albums selected in conjunction with the band.
All formats are re-mastered by renowned engineer Andy Pearce. This landmark release will be a must have for all Sabbath fans!