First of all, I`d like to start saying that, for those who havent already guessed, there are tons of Black Sabbath "tribute" albums out there and the only 2 things that make this album different are: 1-its a 4 discs compilation 0_0 that means you`ll get a lot of songs from the band`s repertory in it. 2-Its the only one that bothers to include both ozzy and non-ozzy songs.
Sure, compilations are always a good introduction to a particular band but thats it for the good side of them.
After all, if you DO like the songs in a compilation, you`ll just go out and buy the original albums and them what will you do with them compilations? they are really just a commercial excuse to promote the band and proffit out of it. So, really, if you want to get into sabbath just buy one album at a time.
Start with PARANOID, MASTER OF REALITY, SABBATH BLOODY SABBATH, HEAVEN AND HELL or whatever and move on from there. Is it more expensive? Of course, but don`t forget; its worthy it.
Okay, enough loathing :), lets get into this particular compilation:
BLACK SABBATH songs: A pretty basic selection of songs from that album. They really should have added "Behind the wall of sleep" instead of "Wicked World" or "Evil Woman".PARANOID songs: Just your average "War Pigs", "Iron Man" and "Paranoid" song selection. They really should have added "Electric Funeral" and "Fairies Wear Boots" instead of "Hand Of Doom" and "Planet Caravan".
MASTER OF REALITY songs: A good selection of songs. In fact, only 2 songs from that album are missing which are "Embryo" (another instrumental song like "Orchids") and "Solitude" (One of Sabbath`s worst song in my opinion) Clearly, the people who made this compilation have a crush for this album ;)
VOL.4 songs: Almost as good as MOR, but is missing "Under The Sun" in it, what a shame. Also, they should have added the studio version of "Cornucopia" instead of this weak Live version.
Its about time "Wheels of Confusion" was added to a compilation.
SABBATH BLOODY SABBATH songs: Wut is this? only 2 songs!!? What happened to "National Acrobat" and "Spiral Architect"!!?
SABOTAGE songs: Good, but they should have opened some space for "Megalomania"
TECHNICAL ECSTASY songs: Well, this album isn`t very popular among fans, so I guess that, for as long as "Dirty Women" is added, the rest is ok. Actually, they added to many songs from this album. They should have let some space for Sabbath Bloody Sabbath and Never Say Die songs.
NEVER SAY DIE songs: 2 good songs, but "Johnny Blade", "Shockwave" and/or "Juniors Eyes" could have been an interesting thing to add too.
HEAVEN AND HELL songs: Got absolutely no complaints for the track selection in this one.
MOB RULES songs: Wouldn`t have any complaints either, if they hadn`t put the Live tracks of Mob Rules and Voodoo.
BORN AGAIN songs: Very Good...BUT,(shamelessly) missing "Zero The Hero" and "Born Again". Also, "Hot line": though good, not really necessary.
SEVENTH STAR songs: Same as Technical Ecstasy, however "Danger Zone" should really be here.
THE ETERNAL IDOL songs: Missing too many decent songs, Such as "Ancient Warrior" and "Born To Lose".
Needless to say, Many great albums are missing such as HEADLESS CROSS, TYR and CROSS PURPOSES. But I guess Castle doesn`t own the copyright for them. It`s true my first Sabbath album was a compilation, but just like I said; I`ve had to sell it since I went out after the original albums. I don`t even own this particular compilation, so I wrote this review because, well, I have all the songs on it and much more. (Including the Live ones)
So, I`ll suggest once more, that you don`t buy this thing and look for the "real" albums. And, speaking of Black Sabbath, they`re all good. ( OK, maybe not some of they`re live material and FORBIDDEN :( ).
Release Date: 16 May, 2000, Castle Essential