From Darkness to Complexity

 Rock music is a treasure trove of hidden gems, often found tucked away on B-sides or lessor known compilations. Today we will explore two such tracks, Black Sabbath's "Evil Woman" and Mastodon's "Toe to Toes." Despite being seperated by decades, these songs exemplify the evolution of rock and metal while sharing a deep, dark allure.

Black Sabbath needs little introduction as one of the pioneers of heavy metal. Formed in Birmingham, England in 1968, the band crafted a sound that combined blues, doom, and a fascination with the occult. Their music laid the foundation for countless sub-genres of metal, and their influence is immeasurable.

The Early days of Darkness

Evil Woman, a cover of Crow's bluesy track,was one of Sabbath's earliest recordings. While often overshadowed  by their breakthrough self-titled album, this B-side captures the bands raw energy and their penchant for transforming blues into something heavier and more sinister. The haunting vocals, and Iommi's signature guitar riffs give the song a unique identity, setting the stage for what would become heavy metal's defining sound.

Architects of  Complexity

Fast forward to the 21st Century, and we find Mastodon, a band renowned for their progressive, genre defying approach to metal. Emerging from Atlanta, Georgia, in the early 2000's, Mastodon has consistently pushed the boundaries of modern rock, blending intricate guitar work, unconventional time signatures and thematic storytelling.

Their B-side track, Toe to Toes, featured on the Cold Dark Place EP in 2017, is a master class in musical complexity. The song intertwines soaring melodies with intricate riff's, complimented by, Brent Hinds"emotive vocal performance. Lyrically it delves into introspection and personal struggle, making it a standout track that demonstrates Mastodon's ability to connect emotionally with their audience while delivering technical brilliance.

A Tale of Two Tracks

While Sabbath's, Evil Woman offers a glimpse into the early stages of heavy metal, Mastodon's, Toe to Toes exemplifies the genre's growth into a sophisticated, multi-layered art form. The juxtaposition of these tracks underscores the evolution of rock music over nearly five decades.

Both songs, though separated by time and style, share a common thread: They reside in the shadows of their respective catalogs, yet their brilliance cannot be denied. They remind us that the true essence of a band sometimes lies beyond the spotlight of their hits.

B-sides are more than just filler - they're windows into a bands artistry, unrestrained by commercial pressures. Whether its the bluesy exploration of Black Sabbath or the progressive intricacy of Mastodon, these hidden gems enrich the legacy of rock music.

Take a moment to explore the b-sides, next time you are listening to your favourite band. You might just uncover a masterpiece lurking in the shadows.

Welcome to leave your comments and suggestions. If you have a band, new or old, classic or undiscovered, you wish to share, please do so with abandon.