Various Artists "Nativity In Black: A Tribute To Black Sabbath (EU, Columbia Records, 477671 2)"

Nativity in Black is the name of two Black Sabbath tribute albums that came out in the 1990s and 2000s. The albums were recorded with various heavy metal bands paying tribute to Black Sabbath for their influence on the heavy metal genre of rock music.

All of the tracks in Nativity in Black are covers of classic Black Sabbath material from the Ozzy Osbourne era, mostly by heavy metal bands. The name comes from the commonly assumed, but incorrect, meaning of the song title "N.I.B.". Also, the name of the album is a play on words, referring to Black Nativity - traditional Christmas carols sung in gospel style, quite common in the 60's; Black Sabbath's first Nativity in Black tribute album was released a couple of months before Christmas of '94.

The band Bullring Brummies is made up of Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward, vocalist Rob Halford (not long out of Judas Priest), Obsessed/Vitus guitarist Scott "Wino" Weinrich, Fight guitarist Brian Tilse and Jimmy Wood on harmonica. Their cover of "The Wizard" on the first volume is their only recording, the musicians coming together specifically for this recording. According to Tony Iommi at the time, it was intended to be him / Butler / Ward on the track with Halford, as they had laid down tracks for the song. I.R.S., however, would not permit Iommi to be included so he thought the project was dead. Gloria Butler, however, proceeded with Weinrich and Tilse being brought in to replace Iommi on the track. Upon discovering this, Iommi fired Gloria Butler, prompting Geezer Butler to quit Black Sabbath yet again.

Both albums also include a song with Ozzy singing along with a band.

The live recording of "War Pigs" by Faith No More was previously included on the band's live album, Live at the Brixton Academy.

1000 Homo DJs' version of "Supernaut" was originally released as a 12-inch single in 1990.

The album was certified Gold by the RIAA on 4 December 2000. Bob Chiappardi of Concrete Marketing was executive producer for the album. Megadeth's cover of "Paranoid" received a Grammy nomination in 1995 for 'Best Metal Performance'.

Megadeth's cover of Paranoid is also famous for drummer Nick Menza playing past the end of the song and lead singer Dave Mustaine yelling, "Nick? Nick?! NICK!" and he finally stops. Menza can be faintly heard saying, "Fuck me running!" shortly after.

Tracklist:

Nativity in Black track listing

1. "After Forever" (originally released on Master of Reality) Biohazard 5:46
2. "Children of the Grave" (originally released on Master of Reality) White Zombie 5:50
3. "Paranoid" (originally released on Paranoid) Megadeth 2:32
4. "Supernaut" (originally released on Black Sabbath, Vol. 4) 1000 Homo DJs with Al Jourgensen 6:39
5. "Iron Man" (originally released on Paranoid) Ozzy Osbourne with Therapy? 5:26
6. "Lord of This World" (originally released on Master of Reality) Corrosion of Conformity 6:25
7. "Symptom of the Universe" (originally released on Sabotage) Sepultura 4:15
8. "The Wizard" (originally released on Black Sabbath) Bullring Brummies with Geezer Butler and Rob Halford 5:01
9. "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" (originally released on Sabbath Bloody Sabbath) Bruce Dickinson with Godspeed 5:36
10. "N.I.B." (originally released on Black Sabbath) Ugly Kid Joe 5:28
11. "War Pigs (Live)" (originally released on Paranoid) Faith No More 7:02
12. "Black Sabbath" (originally released on Black Sabbath) Type O Negative 7:45

Total length: 67:42