Black Sabbath Unveils “Anno Domini 1989-1995”:
A Tribute to the Tony Martin Era
Celebrating a Unique Chapter: The Tony Martin Years
Black Sabbath, a band synonymous with the genesis and evolution of heavy metal, has traversed various musical landscapes with different vocalists at the helm. While the Ozzy Osbourne and Ronnie James Dio eras have been extensively celebrated, the significant contributions of Tony Martin, the band’s second-longest-serving singer, have awaited their spotlight. That moment has finally arrived with BMG’s announcement of “Anno Domini 1989-1995,” the first boxed set dedicated to this prolific period.
Remastered Classics and Rare Gems
Scheduled for release on May 31, “Anno Domini” is a comprehensive collection that brings four seminal albums from this era back into the limelight. Fans can look forward to newly remastered versions of “Headless Cross” (1989), “Tyr” (1990), “Cross Purposes” (1994), and a specially remixed version of “Forbidden” (1995) by the legendary guitarist Tony Iommi. This project not only revisits these albums after an extended absence but also introduces several of them on vinyl for the first time.
The 4-LP and 4-CD configurations of the set are complemented by three exclusive bonus tracks: the B-side “Cloak & Dagger” and the Japan-only releases “What’s The Use” and “Loser Gets It All.” Accompanying these musical treasures is a booklet filled with photos, artwork, and liner notes by Hugh Gilmour, providing fans with a deeper insight into this era. Additionally, collectors will appreciate the inclusion of a “Headless Cross” poster and a replica concert book from the tour.
The Tony Martin Era: A Period of Evolution and Experimentation
“Anno Domini” captures a transformative time for Black Sabbath, starting in 1989, a period marked by lineup changes and musical experimentation. The band, anchored by Tony Iommi’s iconic riffs, was rounded out by Cozy Powell’s legendary drumming, Tony Martin’s dynamic vocals, and Geoff Nicholls’ keyboard wizardry.
This era kicked off with “Headless Cross,” an album that received critical acclaim and produced hit singles like “Devil And Daughter” and the title track. The journey continued with “Tyr,” an album that delved into mythological themes, and “Cross Purposes,” which saw the return of founding bassist Geezer Butler. The Tony Martin era concluded with “Forbidden,” an album that, despite its initial mixed reception, has been a focus for Iommi, aiming to enhance its sound to meet the quintessential Sabbath standard.
Tony Iommi’s dedication to revisiting “Forbidden” underscores a commitment to honoring the legacy of this unique chapter in Black Sabbath’s history. His efforts to refine the album’s sound, particularly the guitar and drum tones, reflect a desire to present these works as they were meant to be heard, embodying the essence of Black Sabbath.
With “Anno Domini 1989-1995,” fans are invited to rediscover and celebrate an era of Black Sabbath that contributed significantly to the band’s rich tapestry. This collection is not just a nostalgic trip but a reevaluation of a period that showcased the band’s versatility and enduring influence in heavy metal.
ORDER THE CD BOX SET FROM AMAZON
ORDER THE VINYL BOX SET FROM AMAZON
Included in the set:
Headless Cross, “Tyr” and “Cross Purposes” newly remastered
Forbidden newly remixed by Tony Iommi
1989 Headless Cross tour replica concert book
40-page book with photos, artwork and new liner notes
Replica color tour poster
Disc 1 -Headless Cross
1. The Gates Of Hell (2024 Remaster)
2. Headless Cross (2024 Remaster)
3. Devil & Daughter (2024 Remaster)
4. When Death Calls (2024 Remaster)
5. Kill In The Spirit World (2024 Remaster)
6. Call Of The Wild (2024 Remaster)
7. Black Moon (2024 Remaster)
8. Nightwing (2024 Remaster)
9. Cloak & Dagger (2024 Remaster)
Disc 2 – Tyr
1. Anno Mundi (2024 Remaster)
2. The Law Maker (2024 Remaster)
3. Jerusalem (2024 Remaster)
4. The Sabbath Stones (2024 Remaster)
5. The Battle Of Tyr (2024 Remaster)
6. Odin’s Court (2024 Remaster)
7. Valhalla (2024 Remaster)
8. Feels Good To Me (2024 Remaster)
9. Heaven In Black (2024 Remaster)
Disc 3 – Cross Purposes
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)
6. Dying For Love (2024 Remaster)
7. Back To Eden (2024 Remaster)
8. The Hand That Rocks The Cradle (2024 Remaster)
9. Cardinal Sin (2024 Remaster)
10. Evil Eye (2024 Remaster)
11. What’s The Use (2024 Remaster)
Disc 4 – Forbidden remix
1. Illusion Of Power
2. Get A Grip
3. Can’t Get Close Enough
4. Shaking Off The Chains
5. I Won’t Cry For You
6. Guilty As Hell
7. Sick And Tired
8. Rusty Angels
9. Forbidden
10. Kiss Of Death
11. Loser Gets It All
Vinyl:
LP 1 – Side A
1. The Gates Of Hell (2024 Remaster)
2. Headless Cross (2024 Remaster)
3. Devil & Daughter (2024 Remaster)
4. When Death Calls (2024 Remaster)
LP 1 – Side B
1. Kill In The Spirit World (2024 Remaster)
2. Call Of The Wild (2024 Remaster)
3. Black Moon (2024 Remaster)
4. Nightwing (2024 Remaster)
LP 2 – Side A
1. Anno Mundi (2024 Remaster)
2. The Law Maker (2024 Remaster)
3. Jerusalem (2024 Remaster)
4. The Sabbath Stones (2024 Remaster)
LP 2 – Side B
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)
LP 3 – Side A
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)
LP 3 – Side B
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)
LP 4 – Side A
1. Illusion Of Power
2. Get A Grip
3. Can’t Get Close Enough
4. Shaking Off The Chains
5. I Won’t Cry For You
LP 4 – Side B
1. Guilty As Hell
2. Sick And Tired
3. Rusty Angels
4. Forbidden
5. Kiss Of Death
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
Long overdue box set of Sabbath’s period with Tony Martin, often overlooked but these albums bristle with class & very strong songs…plus the titanic drum work of Cozy Powell on three of the albums which is no bad thing! I’ve been looking forward to this for literally years & now we finally have it! Really hope there’s an unboxing video Phil, I think this is going to be a best seller for the band & BMG!