Black Sabbath Anno Domini Box Set Review – Why the Tony Martin Years Were So Special
This set spans the period from 1989 to 1995 and includes some of the most underappreciated albums in Black Sabbath’s extensive catalog.
The “Anno Domini” box set is available in both CD and vinyl formats, each celebrate this unique era of Black Sabbath.
CD Box Set
Four CDs: Newly remastered versions of “Headless Cross” (1989), “Tyr” (1990), “Cross Purposes” (1994), and a remixed “Forbidden” (1995).
Tour Program Replicas: Includes a miniature version of the original tour book for “Headless Cross”.
Softback Book: Filled with photos, artwork, and liner notes. It features a mix of new interviews and historical insights, providing a comprehensive look at this period. – The lyrics are not included.
Bonus Tracks: Cloak and Dagger (Headless Cross) What’s The Use (Cross Purposes) Loser Gets it All (Forbidden)
Poster: A reproduction of a vintage Black Sabbath tour poster.
Vinyl Box Set
Four CDs: Newly remastered versions of “Headless Cross” (1989), “Tyr” (1990), “Cross Purposes” (1994), and a remixed “Forbidden” (1995) Each vinyl album pressed on high-quality vinyl, complete with polylined sleeves for protection.
Tour Program – Full-size replica of the original Headless Cross tour program.
60-Page Softback Book: Similar to the CD version but in a larger, vinyl-sized format – this does include the lyrics and the inner sleeve details
Poster: A large, fold-out poster included.
The Albums
Each album in this box set represents a significant chapter in Black Sabbath’s history, showcasing the versatility and creativity of the band during the Tony Martin years.
Headless Cross (1989): This album marked a major comeback for Black Sabbath, featuring Tony Martin on vocals, Tony Iommi on guitar, Cozy Powell on drums, Laurence Cottle on bass, and Geoff Nicholls on keyboards. It reached #31 on the UK Albums Chart and includes powerful tracks like “Devil & Daughter” and “When Death Calls”.
Tyr (1990): A concept album heavily influenced by Norse mythology, “Tyr” featured Tony Martin, Tony Iommi, Cozy Powell, Neil Murray on bass, and Geoff Nicholls. It peaked at #24 in the UK and includes standout tracks like “Anno Mundi” and “The Sabbath Stones”.
Cross Purposes (1994): This album saw the return of Geezer Butler on bass, alongside Tony Martin, Tony Iommi, Bobby Rondinelli on drums, and Geoff Nicholls. It reached #41 in the UK and features tracks like “I Witness” and “Virtual Death”.
Forbidden (1995): Often considered a misstep at the time, this album has been newly remixed and sounds significantly improved. The lineup included Tony Martin, Tony Iommi, Neil Murray, Cozy Powell, and Geoff Nicholls. Notable tracks include “Get a Grip” and “Kiss of Death”.
While the Tony Martin era albums didn’t achieve the same commercial success as some of the earlier Sabbath releases, they have garnered a dedicated following and are celebrated for their musicianship and innovation. “Headless Cross” and “Tyr” performed well in the UK charts, reflecting their importance in the band’s discography.
Overall, the “Anno Domini” box set is a must-have for Black Sabbath fans, particularly those who appreciate the Tony Martin years. Despite a few minor quibbles, such as the absence of inner sleeves in the vinyl set and the softback book format, the quality of the music and the presentation make this a worthy addition to any collection.
The remastering work is superb, breathing new life into these albums and ensuring they sound better than ever. Whether you choose the CD or vinyl version, you’ll be treated to a fascinating period of Black Sabbath’s history.
If you’re a fan of this era or just discovering it, I highly recommend grabbing this box set while you can. The limited production means it might not be around for long, so don’t miss out on the chance to own a piece of heavy metal history.
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Order the Black Sabbath Anno Domini CD Box Set Here
Order the Black Sabbath Anno Domini Vinyl Box Set Here
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
