From Black-Sabbath.com webmaster Joe Seigler:
When Black Box was released in 2004, one of the things not mentioned then was “what about remastering all the other Sabbath albums?” Well, today (part of) that has been announced. First off, I must state that this is NOT called Black Box II. That’s my own name. This is called “The Rules of Hell”.
I have already asked a few questions of Band management regarding this box set, when I get some answers, I’ll report back. What I’ve asked is this:
Is this a new remastering session, or is it the same sessions that produced the versions used on the Dio Years?
Anything in the way of extras, or is it just the albums like it was in Black Box?
Will there be Geezer (or Ronnie as the case may be) approved lyrics again like there were in Black Box?
Will the albums be made available on their own, or only as part of this box set?
Again, I do not know the answers to these questions – yet. When I find out, I’ll report back. This is very cool, as the Dio era albums need an upgrade. I’m hopeful about the extras, because there are more tracks sitting around than what were on the actual albums, so hopefully some of that stuff can be released, too. Here is the official text regarding this set:
Heaven & Hell will be supporting the release of ‘The Rules Of Hell’ a five-CD boxed set available on July 22nd from Rhino Records which features re-mastered versions of all four Dio-era Black Sabbath albums (‘Heaven and Hell,’ ‘Mob Rules,’ ‘Live Evil,’ and ‘Dehumanizer’) in a deluxe package with new liner notes.
A personal note: That leaves “Black Box 3: The Everything else set”. Bring that on too, guys!
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Very cool! I’m a huge Sabbath fan and I particularly prefer the post-Ozzy/Dio led years. It was only a matter of time before this came out and I’m glad they decided to because the Dio era always gets brushed aside for the Ozzy era. With the success of Heaven & Hell and THE DIO YEARS CD, Rhino probably decided it was the right time. Add the fact that Heaven & Hell is working on a new record! Wow! This is going to be great!
One question: What’s the 5th disc if all four Dio albums are included?
— Steve
