MASTER OF REALITY

I think of this as one of the best hard rock albums ever made(and in Sabbath's discography,the only one to match their first).HARD rock,I say,because it's too heavy parts are in an absolute contrast with dramatic moments of peace,in the shape of acoustic interludes.As stated by a previous reviewer,Master of Reality can only be understood if one thinks of it as a whole,instead of separated songs.Indeed,if you have the right perspective,this is Black Sabbath's most delicate and relevant album,by far.Perhaps not in therms of raw technique,but surely considering the artistic side of their legacy(and I must say,influence).

Embryo,Orchid and Solitude,three acoustic pieces found in between the heavy central pieces,make this album more sinister than it could ever be if filled with endless heavy metal tunes.The former(which lasts few more than 20 seconds)is an introduction to the anthem Children of the Grave,and still early on,Embryo provoques in Master of Reality a disturbing apocalyptical feel.Orchid,on the other hand,is welcome as a brief moment of silent wondering,before the band push you back to their musical hell with the incredibly heavy(for early 70's standards)Lord of This World.And so the album is contrasted genioulsy with a beautifull drawing of light and shade,song after song.

Solitude,for me,is perhaps the most significant song ever written by this seminal band.A hauting guitar riff pushed by an insistend bass line sets the overall mood of the album,and along with the highly melodic vocal harmonies(VERY unusual in their music),the band transmits in this piece an incredible sadness. Therefore,Into the Void closes the album reminding the listener that this is still Black Sabbath,after all,again presenting a raw and violent weight.

As far as their heavy character goes,this their hardest(and consequently,LOUDEST)album,by far (the legendary Sweet Leaf opens the album,after all).But the screaming silence of the three acoustic cuts give this recording a dramatic depht not found elsewhere in the band's discography.For what Black Sabbath's most significant qualities are concerned,this album and their self-titled first are setted high above anything else they ever did.