Black Sabbath - Reunion
Updated: 18 hours ago
On October 20, 1998 in the United States, "Black Sabbath" released their "Reunion" album.
After years of lineup changes and the band members pursuing different projects, "Reunion" marked the triumphant return of the classic "Black Sabbath" lineup, with Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward. The double live album draws on the Birmingham NEC concerts of December 4 and 5, 1997, with Geoff Nicholls on keyboards. Thom Panunzio produced and engineered the live recordings, which Bob Marlette mixed. The set also includes two new studio tracks. Its live recording of "Iron Man" earned the band their first Grammy, for Best Metal Performance in 2000.
In the late '70s, "Black Sabbath's" original lineup experienced significant turmoil, resulting in the departure of Osbourne in 1979. His exit led to "Sabbath" experimenting with various singers and lineups throughout the '80s and '90s, while Osbourne embarked on a highly successful solo career. Despite these separate paths, there was always a lingering sense that one day, the classic lineup might reunite. Ozzy briefly rejoined his former bandmates for a single performance on 13 July 1985 at the Live Aid benefit concert in Philadelphia, and again in 1992 for the climax of his "No More Tours" farewell tour, but the fans always hoped for a full-fledged "Black Sabbath" reunion.
By the late '90s, the cultural influence of "Black Sabbath" had never been stronger, with countless metal and hard rock bands citing them as the godfathers of heavy metal. Their original records, from "Black Sabbath" (1970) to "Never Say Die!", had stood the test of time. Fans and critics alike longed for the original lineup to return and reclaim their throne as the pioneers of doom-laden, riff-heavy rock. After years of rumors and anticipation, that long-awaited reunion finally came to fruition in 1997, with the band announcing a series of live performances, culminating in the recording of "Reunion", a live album that would solidify their return.
"Reunion" captured "Black Sabbath" performing in front of a rabid audience eager to witness the rebirth of metal's founding fathers. From the opening notes of "War Pigs", it's clear that "Black Sabbath" hadn't lost their magic. Osbourne's voice, while not as raw as in the early '70s, still carried the haunting power and unique charisma that made him a rock icon. His connection with the crowd was undeniable, joking with them between songs and reviving his infamous role as the "Prince of Darkness". Tony Iommi's guitar work, always the backbone of "Sabbath's" sound, was as menacing as ever. His crushing riffs on songs like "Paranoid", "Children of the Grave", and "Iron Man" reaffirmed his status as one of the most influential guitarists in rock history, particularly on deeper cuts like "Into the Void" and "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath", where his brooding, doom-laden tones echoed throughout the venue.
Geezer Butler's bass playing provided the dark, rumbling undercurrent that had always defined "Sabbath's" sound. His basslines, particularly on "N.I.B.", showed his unmatched skill at combining groove and heaviness. Meanwhile, Bill Ward's drumming, though slightly more restrained than in his younger days, remained a driving force, particularly in the intricate rhythms of "Fairies Wear Boots" and "Black Sabbath". Ward's presence was especially significant, as he had struggled with health issues over the years, making his participation in "Reunion" a powerful symbol of the band's full-circle return.
The album also includes two new studio recordings, "Psycho Man" and "Selling My Soul", produced by Bob Marlette. These were the band’s first new studio recordings with Osbourne since "Never Say Die!" in 1978. The original quartet does not play on both tracks, however: "Selling My Soul" uses a drum machine instead of Ward. Both songs connect the band’s familiar heaviness with the more polished production of the late 1990s.
"Psycho Man" kicks off with a classic Iommi riff, dark and heavy, reminiscent of the band's early work. Osbourne's vocals during the first verse are on the lowest side of his vocal range. "Selling My Soul" slows things down a bit, with a more atmospheric, mid-tempo groove, showcasing Iommi's mastery of melody within heavy music.
"Reunion" was more than just a live album - it was a statement. It marked the definitive comeback of one of the most influential bands in heavy music. Released at a time when the metal scene was going through significant changes with the rise of nu-metal and alternative metal, "Reunion" was a reminder of where it all began. The success of "Reunion" also paved the way for more tours and, eventually, a new studio album, "13" released in 2013.
In 2023, the 25th-anniversary edition of "Reunion" revisited the live recordings with remastered audio and added Danny Saber remixes of the two studio songs. It is an expanded archival edition, not a new studio album.
For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music
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