

Black Sabbath: Satanists, Severed Limbs, Dismembered Fingers, Mountains of Cocaine and the Invention of Heavy Metal
Jul 25, 2025
Dive into the tumultuous journey of Black Sabbath, the pioneers of heavy metal. Explore how Tony Iommi turned a devastating injury into a breakthrough sound that defined the genre. Discover the paradox of their anti-occult themes attracting a legion of devil worshippers. Unravel the bizarre cultural moments, including a surreal parade celebrating the band and the occult. From substance-fueled chaos to a haunting true crime connection, this tale weaves music history with dark intrigue.
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Tony Iommi's Finger Loss Story
- Tony Iommi lost fingertips in a factory accident at age 17 but adapted his guitar playing.
- He made homemade finger caps and tuned down strings, creating a unique heavy and gloomy sound.
Tritone's Dark Musical Power
- Flattening the fifth note creates the tritone, known as the devil's interval for its unsettling sound.
- This dissonance greatly influenced heavy metal's dark, gloomy aesthetic pioneered by Black Sabbath.
Geezer Butler's Occult Inspiration
- Geezer Butler merged occult and religious imagery in his bedroom, inspiring song lyrics.
- His haunting vision and obsession with Aleister Crowley fueled Black Sabbath's dark themes and song "Black Sabbath."