That Tony Martin-Era Black Sabbath Box Set is Coming, Just Without The Eternal Idol

We’re just a few weeks away from the release of the box set of Tony Martin-era Black Sabbath records, but new details have surfaced that shows you’ll get most of the albums that came out during that time line.

Set to release on May 31, Anno Domini 1989-1995 will include remastered versions of Headless Cross (1989), Tyr (1990), Cross Purposes (1994), and a version of Forbidden (1995) that’s been completely remixed by guitarist Tony Iommi. According to the legendary guitarist, he always wanted to retouch that last record, as he wasn’t too thrilled with how the final version came out.

With the original version of Forbidden produced by Body Count guitarist Ernie C, Iommi said this is his opportunity to get the sound exactly exactly how he wants it.

“I was never happy with the guitar sound and Cozy [Powell, drummer] was definitely never happy with the drum sound. So, I thought it would be nice to do it for him in a way.

“I just felt that, without changing any of the songs, there was an opportunity to go back and bring out some of the sounds and make it more what people would expect Sabbath to sound like.”

If you’re looking at the list of albums included in the box set, you may notice that one’s missing — The Eternal Idol. Chalk that up to licensing issues, but BMG apparently told Classic Rock that there was also another reason, stating that management “wanted this configuration of the box to be only the ‘missing’ albums. They’ve not been available on any format since release and never on streaming.”

As Classic Rock points out, The Eternal Idol is available on streaming, but it’s never been reissued on vinyl, while Headless Cross and Tyr were reissued on CD 25 years ago.

When it’s released, Black Sabbath: Anno Domini 1989-1995 will come as four CDs and four LP sets on May 31. The set will also include a number of things fans will want, like photos, artwork, liner notes, and more. You can find the full tracklist below.

Black Sabbath: Anno Domini 1989-1995: LP tracklist

Headless Cross (1989)
Side One
The Gates Of Hell
Headless Cross
Devil & Daughter
When Death Calls

Side Two
Kill In The Spirit World
Call Of The Wild
Black Moon
Nightwing

Tyr (1990)
Side OneAnno Mundi
The Law Maker
Jerusalem
The Sabbath Stones

Side Two
The Battle Of Tyr
Odin’s Court
Valhalla
Feels Good To Me
Heaven In Black

Cross Purposes (1994)
Side One
I Witness
Cross Of Thorns
Psychophobia
Virtual Death
Immaculate Deception

Side Two
Dying For Love
Back To Eden
The Hand That Rocks The Cradle
Cardinal Sin
Evil Eye

Forbidden (1995)
Side One
The Illusion Of Power – featuring Ice-T
Get A Grip
Can’t Get Close Enough
Shaking Off The Chains
I Won’t Cry For You

Side Two
Guilty As Hell
Sick And Tired
Rusty Angels
Forbidden
Kiss Of Death

Black Sabbath: Anno Domini 1989-1995 CD tracklist

Headless Cross (1989)
The Gates Of Hell
Headless Cross
Devil & Daughter
When Death Calls
Kill In The Spirit World
Call Of The Wild
Black Moon
Nightwing
Cloak And Dagger (Bonus Track)

Tyr (1990)
Anno Mundi
The Law Maker
Jerusalem
The Sabbath Stones
The Battle Of Tyr
Odin’s Court
Valhalla
Feels Good To Me
Heaven In Black

Cross Purposes (1994)
I Witness
Cross Of Thorns
Psychophobia|
Virtual Death
Immaculate Deception
Dying For Love
Back To Eden
The Hand That Rocks The Cradle
Cardinal Sin
Evil Eye
What’s The Use (Bonus Track)

Forbidden (1995)
The Illusion Of Power – featuring Ice-T
Get A Grip
Can’t Get Close Enough
Shaking Off The Chains
I Won’t Cry For You
Guilty As Hell
Sick And Tired
Rusty Angels
Forbidden
Kiss Of Death
Loser Gets It All (Bonus Track)