Black Sabbath

formed in Birmingham in 1968 and became one of the most influential bands in heavy music history. Founded by Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, they pioneered a darker, heavier sound defined by downtuned riffs, ominous atmospheres, and lyrics exploring horror, war, and existential dread. Their early 1970s albums laid the foundation for heavy metal and inspired countless subgenres for decades to come.