Black Sabbath – Paranoid

Paranoid (1970) is the album that defined heavy metal’s sound and spirit. Recorded in just a few days at Regent Sound Studios in London, it captures Black Sabbath at their raw, electrifying peak. Tony Iommi’s down-tuned guitar riffs, Geezer Butler’s thunderous basslines, Bill Ward’s pounding drums, and Ozzy Osbourne’s unmistakable vocals combine into a sound both ominous and hypnotic. Songs like “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” and the title track deliver a dark commentary on war, madness, and modern life, wrapped in riffs that would echo through decades of rock and metal. Paranoid became one of the most influential albums in rock history, elevating Black Sabbath from underground outsiders to genre architects. Its blend of power, simplicity, and atmosphere remains unmatched — each track steeped in menace yet executed with precision. Beyond its heavy veneer lies a surprising musical depth, from the bluesy pulse of “Planet Caravan” to the frenetic rush of “Fairies Wear Boots.” More than half a century later, Paranoid still defines the sound of rebellion and remains a cornerstone of heavy music.

Reviews

“Paranoid is not only Black Sabbath’s most popular record, it’s also their best, achieving a nearly perfect balance of doom, gloom, and manic energy.” – AllMusic

“Sabbath’s second album remains one of the essential blueprints for metal.” – Pitchfork

“It’s an album that changed everything — dark, loud, and utterly uncompromising.” – Rolling Stone