This is the first time I have come across Witching Buzz Records, but when I saw this compilation, I thought it may well be interesting, and it certainly is. The concept is a simple one, have a series of bands from Europe and America record a Black Sabbath or Ozzy number, and then put together an album containing 22 songs in chronological order of original release. 18 of these are from Sabbath, but only 9 can be found on the ‘Greatest Hits’ album, and then only 4 from Ozzy’s solo career (what, no “Crazy Train”, “Mr. Crowley” or “Bark At The Moon”?). It is very lopsided towards his early career, but one can understand why.
Now, many of the bands do their best to cover the song very closely to the original, and all of them make a valiant effort, but there are a few I do need to call out for their approach. The first of these is Scottish band Heaven and Hellvis and their take on “The Wizard”. I must confess I loved Dread Zeppelin when they first started, and ‘Un-Led-Ed’ is a classic, but I never imagined I would hear a metal band with an Elvis frontman playing Sabbath, and the evil thoughts soon gave way to huge smiles: I might have to investigate these a little further. Polish outfit Corruption chug through “Paranoid” in a manner which is both similar to and very different indeed to every other version I have ever come across, and is as heavy as lead, well worth hearing. The other number I wish to call out is Bert Hill of Mango from the States, and his acoustic take on “Wheels of Confusion” which brings out a whole new dimension.
These albums are a great way to find out about new bands, and there are plenty here which I will enjoy hearing again with their own material. Well worth seeking out.
Rating: 7/10