vinyl delights

Black Sabbath

Master of Reality

1971

  The early 1970s were and incredible time for this band. Not only had they released two monstrously awesome records in 1970, but they followed it up with this masterpiece.  Master of Reality remains unimaginably heavy to this day, but it must have absolutely blown people’s minds in 1971.

  This record differs somewhat from previous efforts sonically. The music is far heavier thanks to its dropped tunings, the pace is generally very slow and intense, and the tone of the guitar is very fuzzy. It’s hard to imagine any stoner/doom metal band that hasn’t had some influence from this record.

Black Sabbath

Paranoid

1970

If their debut record laid the tracks for the future of hard rock and heavy metal, Paranoid undoubtedly is the record that defined the broader genre.  Less than a year after their initial release they unfurled this juggernaut of an album upon the world. As with all Sabbath albums this one is packed from start to finish with incredible riffs and classic songs that have well and truly stood the test of time some 44 years after its release.

  Stylistically this record bears far more of the attributes that are associated with metal; big riffs, memorable guitar solos, and Sabbath’s signature gloomy outlook on the world. A few of the bluesy traits of the first album and their own influences remain on songs such as Planet Caravan and Rat Salad, but where this record’s most memorable moments lie are in the new sound that would spawn a genre.

  This record has had incalculable influence on heavy music. It is truly an “all killer, no filler” record.

Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath

1970

This album is perhaps one of the most significant rock albums of all time as it marks the debut of the band that is widely credited for the creation of heavy metal. Despite this, by modern standards this album is fairly bluesy, with definite flashes of the genre of music it would help create.

It had occurred to members of the band that people enjoy watching scary films, so why wouldn't people enjoy scary music? The title song "Black Sabbath" is still for my money one of the creepiest sounding songs ever. Also look at that record sleeve!

So today was my birthday and to celebrate I went to Utopia Records in Sydney and met Trivium and got stuff signed. I have two of their albums on vinyl, and here they are!

Shogun (将軍) - 2008 - check it out here!

Metallica

Through The Never

2013

Something you should know about me. I am a massive Metallica fan, but when it comes to vinyl, their works are relatively expensive and it can be difficult to find pressings that are a bit different, they're pretty much just sleeve and record and that's it.

This one caught my eye though.

This is the live concert soundtrack to their film Through The Never which was released last year. I for one really liked the film, but I liked it because it was a good performance captured well, not because the story particularly captivated me or anything. As such, I'm as happy hearing it as I am seeing it.

So, what's in the box?!

Uncle Acid and the deadbeats

Mind Control

2013

A few weeks ago my friend recommended this band to me and in the time following it I have become utterly obsessed with this album and the one before it (Blood Lust).

This band is a breath of fresh air for a young man who loves old metal. These guys play some brilliantly heavy and psychedelic stuff. The best way I can describe it is imagine (pardon the pun) John Lennon doing records with mid 70's Black Sabbath. It's marvellous. Can't wait to get more of their stuff.

Now this is awesome. Today I got all my Ghost vinyl signed by the band. They're a lovely bunch of guys. It was really great to meet them.

Each of the Nameless Ghouls have a stamp that represents which instrument they play, and they just use those to sign. The big signature is of Papa Emeritus II.

The last picture was taken buy another very kind fan, it's of Papa handing me my copy of Infestissumam. 

1. Opus Eponymous

2. Infestissumam

Ghost

Opus Eponymous

2010

I've been saving this one. Seriously, how cool is it?!

I absolutely love these guys and what they do. Very mysterious units. This here is their debut record, which is really something different to anything I'd heard before, and they're a band that certainly look different to anything I've seen before. I've managed to acquire all of their records but in terms of collectors pieces, this one is my favourite. It just looks awesome.

I'm seeing these guys again in ten days, pretty psyched for that.

EDIT

Deep Purple

Perfect Strangers

1984

Picked this one up at Utopia second hand as well, and it's in beautiful condition. 

Black Sabbath

Sabotage

1975

This is one of two second hand records I picked up yesterday at Utopia. Love that store. It's not in the best condition but that's the way it goes with second hand stuff.

Well this is one hell of an album. If there's one thing I love it's a big riff and this record is an absolute mountain of riffs. Probably the last Ozzy Sabbath album that the fans like but it's definitely exploring some different territory. I for one love it, as I love all Ozzy Sabbath albums (and others haha). His vocals are incredible.

Trivium

Shogun (将軍)

2008

Trivium are a band that cop a lot of unfair criticism from the metal community in my opinion. They are more than proficient musicians who are clearly inspired by some of the greats to emerge from the genre.

This record right here is for my money their strongest effort. That said, it isn't really "them". It's far more "proggy" than what one might expect on a Trivium record, long songs, very tricky time changes, it's not radio friendly what so ever (perhaps with the exception of Down From the Sky). 

Black Sabbath

Never Say Die

1978

Machine Head

The Blackening

2007

John Lennon and Yoko Ono

Double Fantasy

1980

Megadeth

Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!

1985

Boxing Day Purchase no 3