The first and probably the most influential Metal band ever. Formed as 'Black Sabbath' in 69' with the classic line-up 'Ozzy Osbourne', 'Tony Iommi', 'Bill Ward', and 'Geezer Butler' created a dark, plodding heavy sound that would be referred to as 'Heavy Metal'. A string of hit albums brought success on both side of the Atlantic, but a more experimental sound surfaced with 75's 'Sabotage', that would continue until enigmatic lead singer 'Ozzy' left in 79'. Former 'Rainbow' vocalist 'Dio' was the replacement and cut two great studio albums before disputes caused him to leave in 83'. Replacement vocalists have included 'Ian Gillan' 'Tony Martin', 'Glen Hughes', 'Ray Gillen' and 'Dio' once again, but the early success was never recaptured. The original line-up resurfaced in 97' and after many successful tours have promised a new album but so far nothing has surfaced.
