MoMM (64): Reality check

I pretty much bought this album because of a personal doom metal resurgence of sorts. I'm still not an Ozzy fan, I bought this for the music. Master of Reality is perhaps one of the pioneers of doom but music journalists deem it as stoner / sludge rock. Until a definitive music theory separates these genre comprehensively, I am happy to treat is as doom. The tempo & arrangement pretty much defines doom as we know it today. Mind you, doom itself was a term coined retrospectively; someone said it's doom then did a throwback trawl & realized Black Sabbath sounded like they pretty much started the movement.

In any case, I'm embracing how down-tempo plays a very big part in doom. In my metal domain, speed is essential so when speed plays a lesser part in this sub-genre, it doesn't sit well with me. Then again, doom has a heavy emphasis, not speed. Iommi's work here pivots on his magnificent riffing more than his solos; they sounded very bluesy but that's what you get if your ideas are rooted in the pentatonic scheme of things. Master of Reality is enjoyable. It could have been a blast if the fuzz was properly generated but hey, it's done in 1971.

MOMM (61)

 

I only like Sabbath albums featuring Dio. It's been like that from the start. Dio is the epitome of a good vocalist. He didn't manipulate his voice to be impressionable. He's downright good. In fact, I enjoy all his outings in other bands & his live performances are simply incredible. Salute.

There are twelve years between Heaven & Hell & Dehumanizer. Dio remained ruthless in his vocal delivery. That's how good he was; no compromise in standards. I am slowly (but surely) acquiring albums that impacted my interest in music. These three here are definitely on the list. 

BS Sale

Solar Guitars' Black Sabbath sale. Why the mention? Because you know how it is with the Solar dealer here... let's not go there. Focus on what the sale has to offer. Folks it's 40% off, it's never been done before but yes, you have to factor in the shipping charges but it's still worth getting & not waiting for things to happen here at the stores.

These are good examples of value-for-money considerations. 

Do take note that this is the case now.

Pics: Solar Guitars

DIO

I'm currently in a Dio fix. Which metal vocalist out there possesses a formidable vocal range, relentless intensity & 100% commitment on record & live performances? I have to give it to Dio but sadly, the man took his vocal credentials with him upon his passing half a decade ago. I was listening to Black Sabbath in the bus & was thinking Osbourne's vocals were over-hyped. It was unique but to me it was blown out of proportions in terms of greatness. So the search for other Black Sabbath vocalists took effect & Dio was easily on top of the list (Tony Martin was a close second). I find this very inspiring; Dio had no vocal lessons. He grew up on a healthy serving of the opera; this was his so called institution of vocal control- carefully listening to how the range was manipulated. Add to this his trumpet-playing days which taught him vocal projection. Awesome!

Iron Sabbath

If you've watched The Avengers, you'd noticed that Iron Man had his Black Sabbath t-shirt on for about 80% of the movie. If you've not watched it- highly recommended; not just about a congregation of heroes but it's quasi-hilarious (& thoroughly entertaining).

Laney Iommi

This is a Musikmesse 2012 debut, it's Tony Iommi's signature Laney amp, the TI100. We'd expect a line of EL power tubes in there due to its British pedigree but the T100 is armed with a quartet of 6L6s instead, so it's a clear statement of intent in terms of voicings.

I feel that the world's most desirable signature amp had been (& will still be) Van Halen's Peavey 5150 which went beyond the exclusive service of the endorsee himself; the current EVH brand of amps is not living its life as a desirable implement unlike its predecessor- maybe it needs a little bit more time & presence (no pun intended). If Laney wish to speak to the distortion fiends in amplifier tongues (we do associate Black Sabbath/ Heaven & Hell with gobs of distortion, don't we?), they should be making a statement with the T100.

Hopefully, this amp would be made available here for us to have a go at all things sludgy & doom-laden, just like how the Iron Man Iommi likes it.