BLACK SABBATH In The U.K.'s SUN Tabloid

In an almost unprecedented move for a tabloid newspaper, the Sun — the world's biggest-selling English-language newspaper, with over eight million readers a day — has acknowledged the world of heavy metal by reviewing a BLACK SABBATH biography in glowing terms.

"Sabbath Bloody Sabbath", the new SABBATH biography by Joel McIver — a writer for Metal Hammer, Classic Rock, Total Guitar, Bass Player and other magazines — was praised by the Sun on December 15 December as "brilliant." See the full review here.

The book has also been the recipient of tributes by musicians from the mainstream and extreme metal scene as well as plaudits from the music press in recent weeks, demonstrating that SABBATH (set to tour in 2007 as HEAVEN AND HELL with Ronnie James Dio) are as popular as ever.

Some of the many endorsements of "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" include:

Mikael Åkerfeldt (OPETH): "Ever since my first exposure to the spirit and music of BLACK SABBATH in the late '70s I have been quite obsessed with them. After reading the excellent 'Justice For All: The Truth About Metallica' by Mr. McIver there's no doubt in my mind that I certainly needed to add 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath' to my collection. Thirty or so years later I'm still obsessed — what's wrong with me?"

David Gray (AKERCOCKE): "Recommended equally to denim-clad stalwarts of the old school and extreme metal neophytes the world over! McIver's compelling homage exposes the myths and reveals the truth about living the rock'n'roll dream for over 30 years — the essential SABBATH bible!"

Samoth (EMPEROR, ZYKLON): "An essential purchase for any true SABBATH fan."

Jeff Becerra (POSSESSED): "If you're a SABBATH fan like me you will definitely enjoy this book. Joel McIver does a great job in his relaying of what BLACK SABBATH is all about. It's obvious that he is not only a great writer, but a great fan."

Chris Reifert (AUTOPSY, ABCESS): "'Sabbath Bloody Fucking Sabbath'!... I tore straight through this thing and now I defy anyone to ask me anything about SABBATH! I'm ready, doomsters! Cheers, Joel, and job well done... this is quite the slab of fact. Better yet, it's told in an entertaining way — SABBATH heads will not be disappointed!"

Silenoz (DIMMU BORGIR): "What is there to know about BLACK SABBATH that hasn't been told already? Well, there are quite a few things and this book reveals some rather interesting facts! It's funny, witty, serious and objective, all at the same time. A very entertaining read and I dare say a must for every fan of rock music!"

Mirai Kawashima (SIGH, NECROPHAGIA): "The truth about the heaviest band ever by the heaviest author on earth! I thought I knew a lot about SABBATH, but I was totally wrong! So many discoveries about the sinister band lie in this great book."

Paul Di'Anno (ex-IRON MAIDEN): "Joel Mclver has given birth to a truly great and interesting read with his latest book, 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath'. The read takes you through the SABBATH maze, and reminds you of just why Ozzy and Co. were, and still are, so important a part of British rock history."

Malcolm Dome (Total Rock): "It can't be easy to chronicle the entire history of BLACK SABBATH. But Joel McIver has managed the seeming impossible. This is a thoroughly researched, well written, balanced book that's neither afraid to criticise legends when necessary, nor fearful of praising eras many others dismiss. Unless everyone who's ever been involved with SABBATH decides to contribute to a massive book on the band, this will remain definitive."

McIver is best known for his 2004 METALLICA biography, the best-selling "Justice For All: The Truth About Metallica", which was the first book to examine the thrash kings' regrettably poor 1990s music and their battle with filesharing company Napster in detail.

The book contains interviews personally conducted by the author over the last few years with SABBATH members and ex-members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, Glenn Hughes, Ian Gillan and Ronnie James Dio. SABBATH's first manager, Jim Simpson, provides plenty of illuminating insights too. Other musical luminaries who shared their opinions about SABBATH with McIver include Ritchie Blackmore, Leo Lyons (TEN YEARS AFTER),Tom Araya and Kerry King (SLAYER),Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister, King Diamond, Nikki Sixx (MÖTLEY CRÜE),Bill Gould (FAITH NO MORE),Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Dave Mustaine, Stephen O'Malley and Greg Anderson (SUNN 0)))),Geddy Lee (RUSH),Zakk Wylde, Paul Allender (CRADLE OF FILTH),the late "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, Ice-T, Joey Jordison and Mick Thomson (SLIPKNOT),Bobby Ellsworth (OVERKILL),Jeff Becerra (POSSESSED),Conrad "Cronos" Lant and Jeff "Mantas" Dunn (VENOM),John Bush (ARMORED SAINT, ANTHRAX),Katon W. DePena (HIRAX),Mikael Åkerfeldt (OPETH),Phil Fasciana (MALEVOLENT CREATION),Sean Harris (DIAMOND HEAD) and Rob Halford (JUDAS PRIEST).

"Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" (not the recent SABBATH biography of the same title written by Garry Sharpe-Young) is published in hardback by Omnibus Press at £19.95 and can be purchased from Amazon or any major bookstore worldwide. The author can be contacted via www.joelmciver.co.uk.