Symptom of the Universe: The Original Black Sabbath 1970–1978

Symptom of the Universe: The Original Black Sabbath 1970–1978 is a 2002 compilation that collects material from Black Sabbath's original era with Ozzy Osbourne, illustrating the band's role in shaping early heavy metal. The recordings emphasize Tony Iommi's heavy, downtuned riffs, Geezer Butler's prominent bass, Bill Ward's dynamic drumming, and Ozzy Osbourne's distinctive vocals, moving from raw, doom-laden tracks to later songs with broader arrangements and production. As a set covering 1970 to 1978, it presents the core period commonly associated with the band's formative influence on the heavy metal sound.