Nativity in Black

Information

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.

Nativity in Black

1. "After Forever" — Biohazard - 5:46
2. Originally released on Master of Reality.
3. "Children of the Grave" — White Zombie - 5:50
4. Originally released on Master of Reality.
5. "Paranoid" — Megadeth - 2:32
6. Originally released on Paranoid.
7. "Supernaut" — 1000 Homo DJs with Al Jourgensen (Although rumored to be Trent Reznor) - 6:39
8. Originally released on Black Sabbath, Vol. 4.
9. "Iron Man" — Ozzy Osbourne with Therapy? - 5:26
10. Originally released on Paranoid.
11. "Lord of This World" — Corrosion of Conformity - 6:25
12. Originally released on Master of Reality.
13. "Symptom of the Universe" — Sepultura - 4:15
14. Originally released on Sabotage.
15. "The Wizard" — Bullring Brummies - 5:01
16. Originally released on Black Sabbath.
17. "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" — Bruce Dickinson with Godspeed - 5:36
18. Originally released on Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.
19. "N.I.B." — Ugly Kid Joe - 5:28
20. Originally released on Black Sabbath.
21. "War Pigs (Live)" — Faith No More - 7:02
22. Originally released on Paranoid.
23. "Black Sabbath" — Type O Negative - 7:45
24. Originally released on Black Sabbath.
25. "Solitude" — Cathedral - 4:52 (European version only)
26. Originally released on Master of Reality.
27. "St.Vitus Dance" — Cathedral - 4:52 (Japan version only)
28. Originally released on Black Sabbath, Vol. 4.
29. "Wheels Of Confusion" — Cathedral - 5:31 (Japan version only)
30. Originally released on Black Sabbath, Vol. 4.

Nativity in Black II

1. "Sweet Leaf" — Godsmack - 4:54
2. Originally released on Master of Reality.
3. "Hole in the Sky" — Machine Head - 3:32
4. Originally released on Sabotage.
5. "Behind the Wall of Sleep" — Static-X - 3:31
6. Originally released on Black Sabbath.
7. "Never Say Die" — Megadeth - 3:46
8. Originally released on Never Say Die!.
9. "Snowblind" — System of a Down - 4:40
10. Originally released on Black Sabbath, Vol. 4.
11. "Electric Funeral" — Pantera - 5:53
12. Originally released on Paranoid.
13. "N.I.B." — Primus with Ozzy - 5:57
14. Originally released on Black Sabbath.
15. "Hand of Doom" — Slayer - 5:15
16. Originally released on Paranoid.
17. "Under the Sun" — Soulfly - 5:45
18. Originally released on Black Sabbath, Vol. 4.
19. "Sabbra Cadabra" — Hed PE - 3:12
20. Originally released on Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.
21. "Into the Void" — Monster Magnet - 8:03
22. Originally released on Master of Reality.
23. "Iron Man (This Means War)" — Busta Rhymes (Featuring Ozzy Osbourne) - 4:38
24. Originally released on Paranoid.