MASTER OF REALITY

Master of Reality is a really hard album to rate in a progressive rock site since it features very little connection with our beloved music. In contrast , it is one of the most influential heavy metal records of all time ( Well almost all Ozzy Sabbath records are) But this one , in my opinion has stood the passing of time better than others. This record is under the 35 minute barrier but... jeez it's intense!!! Heavier than Judas Priest and many of the NWOBHM bands that would take Sabbath as their main influence.

The songs here are more slow paced than on the previous two albums and Iommi's axe seems to be downtuned even more. I remember one review on a metal site that said "They should have included some Prozac with this one!" Well , with the exeption of the relaxing "Solitude" there is nothing on " Master of Reality" that could sound depressing. Instead , I find this one to be a perfect record to listen when you are full of angst.

From the cannabis anthem " Sweet Leaf" you will face a record that is miles ahead of it's time , almost a manual for guitarists on riff creation. Iommi's trademark short riffs sound better than ever here. Ozzy's lyrics are thought provoking as usual , my favourite is " After Forever "( "Would you like to see the Pope at the end of a rope , do you think he is a fool?") That line deserves some clappies here. Apart from the heaviness this record has from start to finish , " Solitude" stands on it's own as one of the most unique Sabbath songs , this is a really soothing one sounding like Opeth's calmest moments or the "More" era Floyd.

I am too tempted to give this record 5 stars , but I guess I ll stay in 4 since this record is too short and I want to compare it to other Ozzy- Sabbath releases. But believe me , every single record from "Black Sabbath" to "Sabbotage" is a Heavy Metal masterpiece.