Even with its incredibly dark subject matter - from psychological illness, to themes of death, war, and severe drug abuse and hallucinations - this album has ultimately transcended into the mainstream stratosphere. It features some of the most recognizable guitar riffs in rock and roll history, heard in songs like "War Pigs/Luke's Wall", "Paranoid", and perhaps most notably in "Iron Man." Paranoid's reach can be heard in modern music video games like Guitar Hero, where these Black Sabbath classics are a blast to play. Dozens of modern bands have covered these songs during the forty years from its original release, and new generations will continue to do so. The influence and impact of this album is undeniable in the sound of rock successors - take Alice In Chains' classic album Dirt (1992) for example, that album oozes nods to Black Sabbath's Paranoid. Even the film franchise Iron Man, based on the Marvel comic, features the legendary guitar riffs of the original song of the same name.

     This is certainly one of those albums where every song is a timeless classic. I found myself listening to and humming "Hand of Doom" over and over again - and that is just one of its many greats. The production of the album is also quite stellar. A big step up from the fairly muddier sound of their debut self-titled album, Paranoid has a much more distinct punch in its tone. The musicanship is brilliant. Tony Iommi is a fantastic guitarist with some seriously awesome licks. Ozzy Osbourne does some of his best vocal performances, and the rythym section of Geezer Butler (bass) and Bill Ward (drums) really blend well to hammer home the sound.

     Paranoid has a fearless presentation, and in a word, it is stunning. If you've never heard this album before in its entirety, from beginning to end, you simply should sit down and give it a good listen - you will be blown away. If you've never heard of this album before, you likely have already heard its profound influence. One of the finest records in the history of heavy metal.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS:

"War Pigs/Luke's Wall"

"Hand of Doom"

"Iron Man"

"Paranoid"

"Electric Funeral"

"Fairies Wear Boots"

-Kurt L.

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