Master of Reality

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Template:Album infobox Master of Reality is a heavy metal album by the rock band Black Sabbath, released in 1971 (see 1971 in music). The title refers to the state of being intoxicated, and the feelings of invincibility that go with it.

On this album, guitarist Iommi started the practice of de-tuning his guitar down three semi-tones to achieve a very dark, heavy sound. Bassist Geezer Butler copied this technique, which would be the standard practice for the next several albums.

Master of Reality is the most guitar oriented album in Sabbath`s carrier between 1970-1978. The guitar playing is evident in all songs. Two of them, "Embryo" and "Orchid", are introductions to "Children Of The Grave" and "Lord Of This World", respectively. The sound is very dark and the lyrics touch on many themes such as drugs, solitude, war and theology. Although it is not as varied an album as Vol 4 or Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, it is still a classic album in heavy metal history, continuing where the Paranoid album left off.

Critics generally regard Master of Reality as a poor follow-up to Paranoid. Then again, critical reception of Black Sabbath has always been poor, and it still remains a classic recording of early heavy metal, influencing bands on both sides of the Atlantic, including Blue Öyster Cult, Van Halen and Mott the Hoople.

On the Billboard Pop Albums chart, Master of Reality peaked at #8. Template:RS500

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