GEEZER BUTLER
(see also GZR)

"Ohmwork" (Sanctuary Records; 2005)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Bill "Geezer" Butler, bassist for the legendary heavy metal group Black Sabbath, released this solo project under the unassuming name, GZR back in 2005. However, Geezer Butler is not just a figurehead, playing simple bass riffs or standing back and letting other people simply work for him. At 56 years of age (at the time of this recording), he attacks his bass with the same piss and vigor he did for Black Sabbath back in the 70s. GZR (or G//Z/R at it has also been called) has released two additional releases, called "Plastic Planet," "Black Science" and now "Ohmwork."

I don't know about the previous releases, but "Ohmwork" is intense, high caliber and full of all the killer shit that makes a good metal release. Geezer Butler has surrounded himself with killer musicians such as Clark Brown on vocals, Pedro Howse on guitar, Toby Wright (mixer), Chad Smith on drums and, of course, Geezer on bass and serving as album producer. Excellent songwriting, killer presentation with plenty of hooks just to keep you interested. I have listened to "Ohmwork" a few times and I always seem to find something new and exciting and that, in my opinion, is a sign of damn good music. 

Just a quick note about the band name: Apparently, this album (and probably the previous two) has been released throughout the years with the artist name Geezer Butler, GZR and even G/Z/R.

For more information, check out http://www.geezerbutler.com.

"Plastic Planet" (TVT; 1995)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Did Black Sabbath invent heavy metal music? That is a very good question. Some would argue it was Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Alice Cooper or Motorhead. I, myself, would say Black Sabbath is the band that put heavy metal on the map. I was there, and I would say Sabbath put the heavy in metal.

One of my favorite members of the band would be Geezer Butler. Butler is a soft-spoken bass player, behind the towering vocals of Ozzy Osbourne, the guitar wizard that is Tony Iommi and the thunderous drumming of Bill Ward. Together they make up one of the premiere metal bands of the late 60s early 70s. Geezer Butler was credited with not only terrific bass, he was instrumental in defining the direction of the band through his lyrics.

Now on to my latest project, reviewing the 1995 release of G/Z/R (or Geezer or GZR) and what I got was a kick ass metal release that truly kicked my ass. I should not be not surprised, I reviewed "Ohmwork" back in 2005 (twenty years ago, holy shit!). The music was strong, driven and dark with (of course) an extremely strong bass presence. I don't know why I did not look up the G/Z/R catalog when it was originally released. Mainly it was a wife, two young kids, a car payment, work, mortgage and all the music I was reviewing for RoughEdge.com. One thing I do know, however, is that G/Z/R (or Geezer or GZR)) has three other releases in which I will be reviewing soon.

This music is a force full of dark imagery that is entertaining and the higher the volume, the better the fun. The name of the recording is "Plastic Planet" and the images are right there for the interpretation just ready to be made. The band is Geezer on bass and keys, Deen Castronovo drums, Pedro Howse guitars and Burton C. Bell (vocalist for the band Fear) would was brought in at the last minute for the vocals (and it kinda shows).

I can't believe it has taken me thirty years to figure out that Geezer Butler, bassist extraordinaire for one of my favorite bands of all time, has music out there that I have not experienced. That will be taken of in the near future.

This is not music for the mild or the timid. This is real heavy metal music. Of course, the great Geezer Butler produced this recording and it shows: dark, heavy, twisted, and in-your-face. "Plastic Planet" shows the depth of musical character on one Geezer Butler, simply one of the great musical minds of our time. I cant wait to experience the rest of this band’s catalog.

For more information, check out http://www.geezerbutler.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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