Artist: Black Sabbath Album: Dehumanizer

Year: 1992
Duration: 1:01:15

Dehumanizer: A of Black Sabbath's Heavy Metal Masterpiece

Black Sabbath remains one of the most influential bands in the history of heavy metal music. From the early days of the genre, they served as pioneers who defined the sound and style that followed. As their career progressed, Black Sabbath continued to create iconic albums that have stood the test of time.
Dehumanizer, released in 1992, is one such album. It marks a rebirth of the band after a hiatus, with the return of Ronnie James Dio as lead vocalist. A critical and commercial success, Dehumanizer showcases Black Sabbath's masterful approach to heavy metal music.
In this post, we'll take a closer look at the history of Black Sabbath, the music genre of Dehumanizer, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and a of its overall impact.

The History of Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath formed in Birmingham, UK, in 1968. Their music was heavily influenced by blues, jazz, and rock and roll, but they quickly developed their signature sound: dense, distorted guitar riffs, pounding drums, and lyrics that explored dark, often occult themes.
Their debut album, Black Sabbath, released in 1970, is considered one of the most important albums in the history of heavy metal. The band's influence on the genre cannot be overstated. Throughout the '70s, they released a string of classic albums, including Paranoid, Vol. 4, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.
After a few lineup changes and the departure of lead vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, the band continued to release music with different vocalists, including Ronnie James Dio, who fronted the band on two classic albums in the early '80s: Heaven and Hell and Mob Rules.

The Music Genre of Dehumanizer

The Music Genre of Dehumanizer

Dehumanizer, released in 1992, marked the return of Ronnie James Dio as Black Sabbath's lead vocalist. The album features nine tracks, including the popular singles TV Crimes and Time Machine.
Sonically, Dehumanizer is classic Black Sabbath. The heavy, crunching guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and ominous lyrics are all present. However, the album also features some experimentation with keyboards and different vocal approaches.
In terms of genre, Dehumanizer is a classic heavy metal album with some progressive and even pop influences. It is a continuation of the sound that Black Sabbath had developed throughout the '70s, but with some modern touches that keep it fresh.

The Best Songs of Dehumanizer

Dehumanizer is a cohesive album, with strong songs throughout. However, some tracks stand out as particularly excellent. Here are three of the best:
Computer God - This is the opening track, and it sets the tone for the whole album. The pounding drums, screaming guitars, and Dio's soaring vocals all combine to create a classic metal track.
Master of Insanity - This track features some of the album's most interesting instrumentation, with acoustic guitars, keyboards, and a driving rhythm section. The lyrics explore themes of madness and the human mind.
I - This song is a departure from the rest of the album, featuring a more positive, uplifting message. The lyrics encourage listeners to believe in themselves and their dreams. Musically, the track is driven by a funky bassline and some excellent guitar work.

The Most Innovative Parts of Dehumanizer

While Dehumanizer is largely a continuation of Black Sabbath's classic sound, there are some innovative elements that make the album stand out. One such element is the use of keyboards and synthesizers. Tracks like Sins of the Father and Too Late feature these instruments prominently, adding a new dimension to the band's sound.
Another innovative aspect of Dehumanizer is the vocal approach. Ronnie James Dio was known for his powerful, emotive singing, and on this album, he delivers some of his best performances. However, there are also moments where he experiments with different vocal styles, such as the spoken-word intro to Master of Insanity.

A Critic's Review of Dehumanizer