BRAND NEW 8-CD BOX SET [ORIGINAL ALBUM REPLICA CD SLEEVES]

There’s no arguing about the importance of these eight albums, the first salvo from all four original members of Britain’s foremost heavy metal outfit.

Musically, although the band’s quality control started decreasing after Volume 4, there are plenty of molten highlights scattered throughout the final discs. Most interesting is how the ballads and acoustic interludes such as the middle section of the title track from Sabbath Bloody Sabbath are incorporated into the overall doom, gloom, and demonic approach of Ozzy’s lyrics and strangulated vocals. Technical Ecstasy’s lovely “She’s Gone” even features a string quartet. 

Particularly impressive is the melodic sense of even the heaviest, sludgiest material, something that distinguishes Sabbath from the thousands of metal bands that sprang in their wake. Perhaps last year’s surprisingly successful reformation was the impetus behind this box, but whatever the reason it’s convenient to have all the music in one handy container.