Master of Reality
Black Sabbath · 1971
40 min · 9 tracks · hard rock · heavy metal · doom metal
A heavy, hypnotic descent into dark themes, marked by crushing riffs and haunting melodies.
Why this album works
- Best for
- long, immersive listening sessions dark, contemplative moods layered, dense sonic textures
- Context
- By 1971, Black Sabbath had already released two groundbreaking albums, with 'Master of Reality' being their third. This record solidified their role as pioneers of heavy metal, showcasing a darker sound that would define the genre and influence countless bands to come.
- If you like
- hard rock, heavy metal, doom metal
Master of Reality is an album by Black Sabbath, released in 1971. A heavy, hypnotic descent into dark themes, marked by crushing riffs and haunting melodies. 'Master of Reality' is often hailed as a cornerstone of doom metal, featuring tracks like 'Sweet Leaf' and 'Children of the Grave' that have become anthems in the genre. The album received critical acclaim upon its release and continues to be cited as a major influence on rock music, exemplifying the shift towards heavier sounds in the early 1970s. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Master of Reality sound like?
A heavy, hypnotic descent into dark themes, marked by crushing riffs and haunting melodies. Rooted in hard rock and heavy metal.
What makes Master of Reality by Black Sabbath notable?
'Master of Reality' is often hailed as a cornerstone of doom metal, featuring tracks like 'Sweet Leaf' and 'Children of the Grave' that have become anthems in the genre. The album received critical acclaim upon its release and continues to be cited as a major influence on rock music, exemplifying the shift towards heavier sounds in the early 1970s. By 1971, Black Sabbath had already released two groundbreaking albums, with 'Master of Reality' being their third. This record solidified their role as pioneers of heavy metal, showcasing a darker sound that would define the genre and influence countless bands to come.
Who is Master of Reality for?
Master of Reality works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dark, contemplative moods and layered, dense sonic textures.
How many songs are on Master of Reality?
Master of Reality has 9 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sweet Leaf Standout 5:05
- 2 After Forever 5:27
- 3 Embryo / Children of the Grave 5:00
- 4 The Haunting 0:45
- 5 Orchid 1:30
- 6 Lord of This World Standout 5:26
- 7 Solitude 5:02
- 8 Into the Void 6:13
- 9 Killing Yourself to Live (live) 5:30
Release Date
July 21, 1971
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Runtime
40 min 1 sec
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