
A Monumental Moment for Heavy Metal History
For fans of heavy metal, the latest issue of Metal Hammer is not just another collector’s edition — it’s a time capsule of legacy, emotion, and raw power. Featuring all four original members of Black Sabbath — Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward — this “Back To The Beginning” special edition revisits the origins of a genre that changed music forever.
What’s Inside the Metal Hammer All-Star Blowout
The Full Black Sabbath Reunion Interview
In a landmark editorial move, Metal Hammer managed to bring together all four founding members of Black Sabbath for an exclusive, in-depth interview. The band dives into their earliest days in Birmingham, the recording of their self-titled debut album, the chaos of touring, and the legacy that followed.
This reunion is especially notable considering the well-documented internal tensions over the years. Seeing Ozzy, Tony, Geezer, and Bill sharing stories — some nostalgic, others hilariously chaotic — is pure gold for any Sabbath fan.
A Celebration of Ozzy Osbourne’s Solo Journey
Alongside the band’s story, the magazine also dedicates a section to Ozzy Osbourne’s solo career, which itself is a legendary saga. From “Crazy Train” to “Patient Number 9,” Metal Hammer chronicles how Ozzy reinvented himself while maintaining his status as the Prince of Darkness.
All-Star Metal Conversations and Collaborations
This issue isn’t just about Black Sabbath — it’s about their massive influence on multiple generations of metal musicians. The cover also features appearances and interviews with metal royalty including:
- Lizzy Hale (Halestorm)
- Randy Blythe (Lamb of God)
- Brann Dailor (Mastodon)
- Joe Duplantier (Gojira)
- Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine)
- Zakk Wylde
- Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses)
- Kerry King (Slayer)
- Scott Ian (Anthrax)
- Tobias Forge (Ghost)
- Jerry Cantrell (Alice In Chains)
- …and many more.
These artists reflect on how Sabbath shaped their musical paths and share their own “first Sabbath song” memories — turning this issue into a true multi-generational love letter to metal.
Visual Style: Gothic Glory Meets Modern Legacy
The cover design is unapologetically bold — a monochrome portrait of the original Sabbath members in front of the Metal Hammer logo, surrounded by high-contrast silhouettes of dozens of iconic metal musicians, splashed in vivid purple and black. The central image features the band’s signature winged demon logo, creating a sense of power and reverence.
For collectors, this is more than just a magazine cover. It’s a tribute to the foundation of an entire genre.
Why This Matters to Rock and Metal Fans Today
In an era of digital streams and fleeting virality, legacy matters more than ever. Black Sabbath’s influence continues to be a guiding force in rock and metal, and seeing them celebrated by both fans and peers alike is a reminder that roots matter.
As Ozzy continues to battle health issues and as rock legends age, moments like this feel especially meaningful — they are reminders of where it all began and how far we’ve come.
Final Thoughts: Grab Your Copy While You Can
This Metal Hammer “Back To The Beginning” issue (No. 402) isn’t just an article — it’s a historic archive. Whether you’re a lifelong Sabbath fan or a newcomer to metal’s rich lineage, this special edition is a must-read and must-own.
Get your hands on it before it becomes a collector’s gem. Expect limited availability at major newsstands, or grab it directly from Metal Hammer’s official website.
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