Heaven and Hell (Black Sabbath album)
Occupation
- Vocal: Ronnie James Dio
- Guitar: Tony Iommi
- Bass: Geezer Butler
- Drums: Bill Ward
Studios
Heaven and Hell is the ninth album by the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath. The album was released on April 25, 1980 via Vertigo Records.
Formation
Heaven and Hell is the first album after the breakup of Ozzy Osbourne. He was replaced by former Rainbow vocalist Ronnie James Dio. Dio brought not only his very own style of singing in the band, but also participated actively in the songwriting. The new approaches, the band changed their style to a more melodic direction. Dio and Iommi had already written songs for Black Sabbath before the separation of Osbourne was completed formal.
Originally Geoff Nicholls Geezer Butler on bass to replace. Butler threatened several times in order to leave the band and was not present during the songwriting process. After Butler returned to the band were written down to Neon Knights all the songs. Nicholls then took over the keyboards and stayed in the next 20 years, guest musician of the band, without ever being a permanent member.
The album was recorded in 1979 in the Criteria Recording Studios in Miami and the Studio Ferber in Paris. It was produced by Martin Birch, who worked among others, Deep Purple, and in the eighties also on several albums by the band Iron Maiden. Drummer Bill Ward explained that he can not remember the recordings of the album. His former alcohol abuse also meant that he left the band during the following tour and was replaced by Vinnie Appice.
In 2009, Dio, Iommi, Butler and Appice were under the name Heaven and Hell on tour.
The cover artwork is from the painting " Smoking Angels " by artist Lynn Curlee.
Reaction
Heaven and Hell is still one of the best selling Black Sabbath albums. The album peaked at number nine in the UK and number 28 in the U.S. album charts. For the band, this was the highest chart entry since the album Sabotage! (1975). Heaven and Hell is one genre classic.