Album Information Section

Album Title: Reunion

Artist: Black Sabbath

Original Release Date: October 19, 1998

Label: Epic

Genres: Heavy Metal, Hard Rock

Track Listing:

• 1. War Pigs (8:33)
• 2. Behind the Wall of Sleep (4:10)
• 3. N.I.B. (6:49)
• 4. Fairies Wear Boots (6:23)
• 5. Electric Funeral (5:06)
• 6. Sweet Leaf (5:11)
• 7. Spiral Architect (5:44)
• 8. Into the Void (6:35)
• 9. Snowblind (6:08)
• 10. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (4:41)
• 11. Orchid / Lord of This World (7:11)
• 12. Dirty Women (6:33)
• 13. Black Sabbath (7:33)
• 14. Iron Man (8:25)
• 15. Children of the Grave (6:34)
• 16. Paranoid (4:32)
• 17. Psycho Man (5:22)
• 18. Selling My Soul (3:10)

Recording Information

The album “Reunion” was recorded at the A&M Studios in Hollywood, California. The recording took place in 1998, specifically during the summer months leading up to the album’s release. The production team consisted of renowned producer Rick Rubin, who had a significant impact on the sound of the album, and engineer Mike Fraser.

Notable recording techniques included the use of vintage equipment to capture the essence of Black Sabbath’s original sound, aiming to blend contemporary production values with the classic heavy metal ethos. An interesting production note is that “Reunion” marked the first time in over a decade that the original lineup of Black Sabbath—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—recorded together, creating a palpable sense of nostalgia and excitement surrounding the project.

Band Context

By the time “Reunion” was released, Black Sabbath had undergone numerous changes since their formation in 1968. The late 1990s saw the band returning to their roots after a period of fluctuating lineups and styles, including the controversial departure of Ozzy Osbourne in the late ’70s. The original members reunited for this album amidst a resurgence of interest in classic rock and heavy metal.

The lineup during this recording consisted of Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums). Prior to “Reunion,” the band had enjoyed a revival with their participation in the Ozzfest tour, which rekindled their chemistry and camaraderie. This album served as both a celebration of their legacy and a testament to their enduring influence on the heavy metal genre.

Track Commentary

“Reunion” features a blend of classic Black Sabbath tracks alongside two new songs, “Psycho Man” and “Selling My Soul.” The album opens with the iconic “War Pigs,” a staple of their live performances, showcasing a mix of heavy riffs and thought-provoking lyrics that comment on war and societal issues. Other notable tracks include “N.I.B.,” which highlights the band’s darker themes and showcases Iommi’s signature guitar work.

The inclusion of “Paranoid,” one of their most recognizable songs, serves as a reminder of the band’s monumental impact on rock music. The new tracks, particularly “Psycho Man,” received mixed reviews, with some fans embracing the fresh material while others preferred the classic cuts. Despite this, the album as a whole was well-received, praised for its production quality and the palpable chemistry among the reunited band members.

Critically, “Reunion” was seen as a successful return to form, reaffirming Black Sabbath’s status as pioneers of heavy metal. The album’s legacy continues as it encapsulates a significant moment in rock history, celebrating the band’s original lineup and their timeless contributions to music.