Album of the Day

Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward made their debut as Black Sabbath in 1970 with the band's self-titled album – and rock has never been the same since. From the doom-laden opening bell chimes, the music was darker and heavier than anything that had come before, drawing thematic inspiration from occult and fantasy literature and a unique sound driven by Iommi's thundering down-tuned riffs. Recorded in a single day, the Warner Bros. collection was initially snubbed by critics, but the Birmingham quartet had the last laugh as the album took off commercially, eventually going platinum - and gaining recognition as a landmark of heavy metal. Fifty years ago BLACK SABBATH introduced the banshee wail of Ozzy Osbourne, and we'll give the set another spin to wish the singer a happy birthday.