Music is mysterious business. Why do we like something and not another? But most importantly: Why do some bands or artists become household names, and others cult heroes?
Each week we’ll let you try and answer that cultural conundrum with two songs from two different bands. The bands featured are contemporaries, making music of much the same sound and feel, and even around the same year. But that’s where the similarities end. It’s up to you to tell us why.
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath formed in Birmingham, England in 1969. Mixing occult imagery and heavy blues, they became one of the pioneer bands of heavy metal, sold millions of albums and are now about to embark on a much-anticipated reunion tour. The band was fronted by the charismatic, yet chaotic, Ozzy Osbourne.
Take a listen to Sweet Leaf, from the band’s 1971 album Maters of Reality.
Pentagram
Pentagram is a Virginia band that also formed in 1971. The band was plagued by lineup changes and released many demos, but a full-length release didn’t appear until 1985. Despite these problems, the band amassed an underground following and is credited with creating the doom metal sound. Pentagram was fronted by the charismatic but chaotic Bobby Liebling.