Live Review: Black Sabbath

When an industrial accident robbed him of the upper portions of his fret fingers on his left hand at age seventeen guitarist Tony Iommi rose against the adversity and made a few modifications that would revolutionise rock music. Detuned strings produced a deep haunting sound, minor scales and the focus on riffs would lay the path of heaviness for every band henceforth. If metal were science-he would be Einstein.

Forty-five years later, no doubt through blessing of the metal gods Iommi and his band Black Sabbath would stride out onto the stage of Perth Arena in front of a capacity crowd. The resultant roar would erase all traces of the stench of the previous Nickleback gig and once again welcome true darkness.  The presence of original members Geezer Butler and Ozzy Osbourne providing as authentic an experience as anyone could hope for. A monster stage show with tombstone shaped screens and lung crushing sound served to reinforce the bands legendary status as they launched into War Pigs- the perfect starter with its droning intro, segmented wails and riffs undoubtable markers of the annuals of rock history. The epic crescendo towards the end was even better live.

Though he may be doddering but front man Ozzy Osbourne is no fool, his eyes sharp and his voice strong he produced a performance every bit as good as his youth. His trademark off-key wail soared through seminal tracks N.I.B, Into the Void and Snowblind. He also showed he could still react quickly to boobs, dashing stage left to grab a bucket of water and hurl it over a talented young lady paying tribute in the most appropriate of ways.

Drum mercenary Tommy Clufetos took over the show with a mindblowing drum solo- arms flailing, sweat drops flying an all directions as he produced crushing polyrhythm after polyrhythm. Thunderous kicks and incredibly hard snare hits set jaws dropping as Cluferos stood up sticks crossed and delivered blow after blow to rev the crowd into overdrive.

The silhouette of Ozzy tottered over the stage as his took the mic for Iron Man – arguably one of the most pivotal riffs in history. Children of the Grave was the track of the night. The Iommi/Geezer gallop set heads a-banging. Children to grandparents and all in between gave a standing ovation. The monstrous Paranoid ended a truly historic night as Ozzy picked up his teacups and tottered off into the night - God status intact.