BLACK SABBATH

For a long period of time (decades are in question) I considered 'Paranoid' the best Black Sabbath release. But as the time passed the sense of revision was growing and eventually I admit that according to all my prog parameters this first album deserves that attribute. From the mystic bells of the title track, nice mouth harmonica of the 'Wizard' to the closing numbers 'Sleeping Village' and 'Warning' there is excellent musicianship present coloured by Osbourne's powerful vocal. Particularly these last two tracks offer that, not prog related but prog determined feeling, Iommi's incredible guitar contributing massively to that adventure. Let me end with my favourite phrase when I'm giving highest rating to an album - 'no weak point' . Also, as a senior progger, I have to confess that this is the sole and only case in all of my prog rock music experience where I changed my opinion regarding the one I had in my youth. But I'm proud to announced it and give to this release absolutely deserving five stars.