The production of Black Sabbath’s 1995 album Forbidden remains a polarizing chapter in the band’s storied history, as Ernie C’s approach aimed to modernize the band’s sound but clashed with their traditional style and expectations. Ernie, known for his work with Body Count, tried to give the band a grunge-inspired sound akin to Nirvana, but the experiment fell short of resonating with both the band and their fans.
Ernie C’s Perspective
Ernie described his ambitious vision during the production of Forbidden:
“I’m going to bring Black Sabbath’s sound up to date, they’re gonna sound like Nirvana.” However, the band members, particularly drummer Cozy Powell, seemed resistant to drastic changes. Powell, a seasoned musician, meticulously timed his performances with a stopwatch and had strong opinions about how his drums should sound, asking for a big, massive sound that contrasted with Ernie’s drier mix.
Reflecting on the project, Ernie noted the tension:
“They wanted to change but they didn’t want to change. They wanted to stay far from the course, so I wanted to change it a little more.”
Tony Iommi’s Frustrations
Tony Iommi, Sabbath’s legendary guitarist, later admitted his dissatisfaction with the album in an interview with Southern Cross. The production challenges were compounded by scheduling conflicts, leaving Iommi, Tony Martin (vocals), and Geoff Nicholls (keyboards) to handle much of the writing and recording on their own.
“It all came together very quickly, and we didn’t have time to reflect: make sure it was the right songs and the right way of doing it,” Iommi explained. He also pointed out the difficulty of leaving production in Ernie’s hands, which led to results that didn’t align with his vision for the band.
The Forbidden Remix
Decades later, Iommi revisited Forbidden with producer Mike Exeter, aiming to address its shortcomings. The remixed version was completed in 2020 and released as part of a box set in May 2024, alongside other Tony Martin-era albums. The remix has been met with more positive reception, providing a fresh perspective on an album that many fans and critics initially dismissed.
Legacy of Forbidden
While Forbidden was a critical and commercial low point for Black Sabbath, it remains an intriguing artifact of a transitional period for the band. The record serves as a reminder of the risks involved in trying to reinvent an established sound, especially for a group with such a legendary legacy.
