Paint It Black: The Evolution of Black Sabbath's Iconic Look

Black Sabbath, the pioneers of heavy metal, have been synonymous with their iconic black and white face paint for decades. But did you know that their use of corpse paint was not always a deliberate choice? In fact, it evolved over time as a symbol of rebellion and individuality.

Six months after releasing their debut album, Black Sabbath issued 'Paint It Black' as the band's second single. The song was an instant hit, with its three-minute assault on the senses capturing the attention of music fans worldwide. But what's interesting is that the band didn't always wear face paint. According to Tony Iommi, guitarist and founder of Black Sabbath, they started wearing it as a response to pressure from their record label.

Vertigo, Black Sabbath's label at the time, wanted them to change the title of their debut album from 'War Pigs' to 'Paranoid.' The band refused, but in order to appease their label, they agreed to wear face paint on stage. This was seen as a way to differentiate themselves from other bands and to make a bold statement.

Over time, Black Sabbath's use of corpse paint became an integral part of their image. They would often wear it during performances, which helped to fuel the band's mythology and mystique. But did they always think that wearing face paint was necessary? According to Iommi, it was a way for them to express themselves creatively.

In recent years, many black metal bands have followed in Black Sabbath's footsteps by adopting corpse paint as part of their image. Some argue that this is a nod to the pioneers of heavy metal, while others see it as a gimmick designed to stand out in a crowded music scene.

But what about bands who don't wear corpse paint? Can they still be considered black metal? According to Dissection and Emperor, two veteran black metal bands, not wearing face paint doesn't mean you're any less authentic. In fact, many bands have chosen to abandon the trend of wearing corpse paint, opting instead for a more minimalist approach.

In conclusion, Black Sabbath's use of corpse paint was not just about making a fashion statement. It was a way for them to express themselves creatively and to differentiate themselves from other bands. While some bands may still choose to wear face paint as part of their image, it's clear that the true essence of black metal lies in its music, not its appearance.

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