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Music Journalist & Editor of Rockum
If there’s one thing that has defined Black Sabbath throughout their career, it’s their ability to reinvent themselves and keep surprising, even when the shadows of the past seem too vast to overcome. Anno Domini 1989–1995, the new boxset from the legendary British band, encapsulates an often underrated but crucial era for their most dedicated fans: the Tony Martin years. This release not only celebrates the brilliance of that period but elevates it to a new dimension with remastered albums and a fresh remix that breathes new life into these classics. The release date of May 31, 2024, will be remembered as a pivotal moment for the followers of this era.
The Reborn Power of Darkness
This boxset is more than just a simple compilation. It is a tangible reminder that, although eternally linked to the charismatic Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath kept the heavy metal flame alive with Tony Martin on vocals and, of course, Tony Iommi, the band’s undisputed sonic architect. Anno Domini collects four essential albums from the Martin era: Headless Cross (1989), Tyr (1990), Cross Purposes (1994), and Forbidden (1995), the latter featuring a powerful new remix by none other than Iommi himself. For many fans, this is the first time these sonic gems have received the remastered treatment they deserve, offering a renewed listening experience.
A Journey Through the Shadows
The journey begins with Headless Cross, an album that from its instrumental intro, "The Gates of Hell," makes it clear that Sabbath still had a lot to offer in the late '80s. With tracks like the eponymous "Headless Cross" and "When Death Calls" — featuring a special appearance by Queen’s Brian May — the album exudes a dark power that continues to resonate decades later. The inclusion of "Cloak and Dagger," originally a B-side, adds an extra treat for collectors and completists.
Tyr, the second album in the boxset, is a conceptual masterpiece that intertwines Norse mythology with Iommi’s unmistakable riffs. Tracks like "Anno Mundi" and "Valhalla" transport the listener to epic landscapes, and the lack of bonus tracks reminds us that sometimes, perfection doesn’t need additions.
Then we have Cross Purposes, an album that was a rebirth for the band at the time, with the return of Geezer Butler on bass and the uncredited contribution of Eddie Van Halen on the abrasive "Evil Eye." This era shows Sabbath at their most melodic and technical, without losing an ounce of their metallic essence. The remastering adds clarity and depth, enhancing the sonic textures, from the intensity of "I Witness" to the melancholic brilliance of "Dying for Love."
Finally, Forbidden closes this sonic journey. Much has been said about this album, often considered a low point for the band. However, Iommi’s remix, along with producer Mike Exeter, has transformed the work into something worth revisiting. Songs like "Get a Grip" and "Rusty Angels" gain new strength, while Ice-T's collaboration on "The Illusion of Power" stands out more than ever in this new version. With the inclusion of the bonus track "Loser Gets It All," fans have an additional reason to dive into this rediscovery.
A Legacy Reborn
What makes Anno Domini 1989–1995 so special isn’t just the impeccable technical work on the remastering, but the fact that this era of Sabbath is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Tony Martin, with his vocal versatility and stage presence, was key to keeping the band relevant during a time of transition. This boxset not only celebrates his contribution but also highlights the band’s cohesion during those years, with Cozy Powell on drums (on most of the albums) and Geoff Nicholls on keyboards, always adding layers of darkness and drama.
An Essential Work for Metal Devotees
This boxset is more than just a collection for fans. It is a vindication of a crucial chapter of Black Sabbath, which, although often overshadowed by the omnipresent Osbourne or Ronnie James Dio eras, is just as vital in understanding the evolution of heavy metal. Anno Domini 1989–1995 not only reminds us that Sabbath never ceased to be relevant but that they have always been masters of reinvention.
With the powerful remix and remastering personally overseen by Tony Iommi, this boxset becomes a testament to the immortal legacy of Sabbath. If you're a fan of the band, or simply a metalhead who appreciates the lesser-explored stages of these legends, this is a must-have in your collection.
In summary, Anno Domini 1989–1995 is the ultimate vindication of Tony Martin’s legacy within Black Sabbath, and a reminder that in the realm of darkness, Black Sabbath will always reign supreme.
Disc: 1
1 The Gates of Hell (2024 Remaster)
2 Headless Cross (2024 Remaster)
3 Devil & Daughter (2024 Remaster)
4 When Death Calls (2024 Remaster)
Disc: 2
1 Kill In the Spirit World (2024 Remaster)
2 Call of the Wild (2024 Remaster)
3 Black Moon (2024 Remaster)
4 Nightwing (2024 Remaster)
Disc: 3
1 Anno Mundi (2024 Remaster)
2 The Law Maker (2024 Remaster)
3 Jerusalem (2024 Remaster)
4 The Sabbath Stones (2024 Remaster)
Disc: 4
1 The Battle of Tyr (2024 Remaster)
2 Odin's Court (2024 Remaster)
3 Valhalla (2024 Remaster)
4 Feels Good to Me (2024 Remaster)
5 Heaven in Black (2024 Remaster)
Disc: 5
1 I Witness (2024 Remaster)
2 Cross of Thorns (2024 Remaster)
3 Psychophobia (2024 Remaster)
4 Virtual Death (2024 Remaster)
5 Immaculate Deception (2024 Remaster)
Disc: 6
1 Dying for Love (2024 Remaster)
2 Back to Eden (2024 Remaster)
3 The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (2024 Remaster)
4 Cardinal Sin (2024 Remaster)
5 Evil Eye (2024 Remaster)
Disc: 7
1 The Illusion of Power (2024 Tony Iommi Remix)
2 Get a Grip (2024 Tony Iommi Remix)
3 Can't Get Close Enough (2024 Tony Iommi Remix)
4 Shaking Off the Chains (2024 Tony Iommi Remix)
5 I Won't Cry for You (2024 Tony Iommi Remix)
Disc: 8
1 Guilty as Hell (2024 Tony Iommi Remix)
2 Sick and Tired (2024 Tony Iommi Remix)
3 Rusty Angels (2024 Tony Iommi Remix)
4 Forbidden (2024 Tony Iommi Remix)
5 Kiss of Death (2024 Tony Iommi Remix)
Black Sabbath:
Tony Iommi – guitars
Tony Martin – vocals
Geoff Nicholls – keyboards
Cozy Powell – drums (Headless Cross, Tyr, and Forbidden)
Bobby Rondinelli – drums (Cross Purposes)
Geezer Butler – bass (Cross Purposes)
Laurence Cottle – bass (Headless Cross)
Neil Murray – bass (Tyr and Forbidden)
Additional musicians:
Brian May – first guitar solo on "When Death Calls"
Ice-T – additional vocals on "The Illusion of Power"
Genre: Heavy Metal
Length: Recorded:
August 1988 – March 1995
Format: Vinyl Record Boxset
Producer: Producer [Cross Purposes] – Black Sabbath , Leif Mases
Producer [Headless Cross] – Cozy Powell , Tony Iommi
Producer [Original Album], Engineer [Original Album], Mixed By [Original Album] – Ernie C
Producer [Tyr] – Cozy Powell Tony Iommi
Product Manager [BMG] – Miles Hackett
Product Manager [Rhino] – Rob Gross
Production Manager [BMG] – Tim Spinks
Production Manager [Rhino] – Kristin Attaway
Remastered By – The Bakery
Remix [2024 Remix] – Tony Iommi
Barcode ID: 603497834532
Production:
Label: BMG Rhino (North America)
Country: England
Released Date: 31 May 2024
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