A staple of heavy metal, Black Sabbath’s Paranoid was recorded with as much brevity and raw aggression as the band’s self-titled debut album (both were released in the same year, actually). Filled with percussive intensity, dominating guitar riffs, and Geezer Butler’s visceral lyrics (which are done nothing but justice by Ozzy Osbourne), Paranoid is in many ways the real beginning of many promising years for one of heavy metal’s most recognizable bands.

Some of their previous album’s drawbacks persist on Paranoid, which can’t really be harped on too much considering how quickly the group put out both LPs. The lengthier songs like “War Pigs” and “Hand of Doom” contain uninspiring jams, but guitarist Tony Iommi breaks free of the Cream-esque bluesy chain that held him down on Black Sabbath. There’s also plenty of energy to be found throughout the album – even the slower tracks have fast, rocking breaks that’ll cause some head-banging (such as “Hand of Doom”). At times I was disappointed with the album’s flow; right after “Paranoid” I expected something even harder, but “Planet Caravan,” while a mesmerizingly trippy tune, fell short of my expectations and is probably my least favorite track on the whole record. The only other track I have slight beef with is “Rat Salad;” it seems like the band heard Led Zeppelin’s “Moby Dick” and Bill Ward decided to try and be like John Bonham (which he in no way is, but Ward’s still good for Sabbath).

So aside from a few minor hiccups – which may prove to be enjoyable for other listeners, mind you – Paranoid is a terrific album. You have the timeless hits, “War Pigs,” “Paranoid” and “Iron Man,” but even stronger and amazing tracks on either side of the record. Plenty of riffs, plenty of quality lyrics, and a tight rhythm section to boot! Even if you don’t consider yourself much of a metal fan, just tell yourself it’s hard rock and enjoy the next forty minutes of hard-rocking glory that is Black Sabbath’s Paranoid.