Master of Reality

Master of Reality, Black Sabbath's 1971 album, deepens the band's heavy, riff-driven sound with down-tuned guitars, a raw, sludgy tone and slower tempos that helped lay groundwork for doom and stoner metal. The record pairs Tony Iommi's thick, fuzzy riffs with Geezer Butler's prominent bass and Ozzy Osbourne's distinctive vocals, and songs such as "Sweet Leaf", "Children of the Grave" and "Into the Void" showcase its dense, weighty approach. Its emphasis on low-end heaviness and simple, crushing arrangements made it a touchstone for later heavy metal subgenres.