Voodoo

Zoo Freaks, your hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning the dark and groovy "Voodoo" from Black Sabbath's 1981 album Mob Rules, and we've got some wicked trivia to share! This track, the second on the album, is a fan favorite for its seductive yet menacing vibe. On a Reddit thread, user migrainosaurus praised Tony Iommi's guitar solo in "Voodoo" as a "deconstruction of the format," likening it to modal jazz with its unpredictable, squealing runs that break free from traditional blues structures. The solo, they noted, feels like a struggle against being pulled back into the song's rhythm, making it a standout moment. Another fan on the same thread called the live version of "Voodoo" from the remixed Live Evil album one of their top five Sabbath tracks, citing its aggressive energy and clever lyrics like, “You say I’m the devil, it’s true, some can’t accept but I crept inside you.” This line showcases Ronnie James Dio's ability to embody a ruthless, almost supernatural narrator, a theme that resonates with the song's dark storytelling.

Digging deeper, "Voodoo" is often compared to the heavy metal style of bands like Accept, but with a melodic twist, as noted in a review on Encyclopaedia Metallum. The reviewer highlighted Geezer Butler's subtle bass flourishes during the main riff, which add depth to the track, while Vinny Appice's pounding drums create a killer groove. Dio’s vocals shift from an uncaring, cold delivery in the verses to a soaring, addictive chorus, making the song a masterclass in storytelling through tone. A commenter on a 2016 Reddit post called "Voodoo" one of their top tracks from Mob Rules, praising Iommi’s iconic riff and Dio’s powerful vocals. The song’s live performances, especially during the 2007 and 2009 Heaven & Hell tours, were electrifying, with fans on Black Sabbath Online forums recalling how it brought the album’s energy to life.

Now, let’s rewind to how Black Sabbath got their start. Formed in Birmingham, England, in 1968, the band began as a blues-rock outfit called the Polka Tulk Blues Band, featuring guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler, and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They soon changed their name to Earth before settling on Black Sabbath in 1969, inspired by a Boris Karloff horror film. Their early sound was rooted in the heavy blues of bands like Cream and Blue Cheer, but they took it darker with down-tuned guitars, occult-themed lyrics, and a gritty edge that birthed heavy metal. Their debut single, a cover of "Evil Woman" by Crow, dropped in 1970, followed by their self-titled album, which shocked critics with its raw power despite mixed reviews. Albums like Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971) cemented their legacy, with Iommi’s crushing riffs and Osbourne’s haunting vocals defining the genre. After Osbourne’s departure in 1979 due to substance issues, Ronnie James Dio joined, ushering in the era that produced Mob Rules and "Voodoo."

You can keep up with Black Sabbath on their official website or follow them on social media at Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans are also super active online—check out the Black Sabbath Online fan site for deep dives into the band’s history and forums buzzing with discussions. On Facebook, groups like Black Sabbath Fans are a great spot to connect with fellow metalheads sharing stories, rare photos, and love for tracks like "Voodoo." So, Zoo Freaks, crank up the volume and let Black Sabbath’s dark magic take you away!