Masters of Reality

Described throughout the years as a head-on collision between the Beatles and Black Sabbath, Chris Goss had been issuing albums under the pseudonym of Masters of Reality for nearly two decades by the early 21st century. Instead of following up a pair of mega-decibel outings, 2001's Deep in the Hole and 2002's live set, Flak 'n' Flight, with another set of hard rockers, Goss decided to assemble a collection of mostly unreleased acoustic tracks for the 2004 12-track set Give Us Barabbas. With his Sabbath side nullified by picking up the acoustic, Goss' appreciation of the Beatles can be detected on such tracks as "I Walk Beside Your Love" (which manages to sound quite Cheap Trick-ish as well) and "Hey Diana." Also included are a pair of standouts that include special guests Scott Weiland ("Jindalee Jindalie") and short-lived Masters drummer Ginger Baker ("The Desert Song"). Yes, that Ginger Baker. Although often thought of first and foremost as a hard rock/heavy metal band, Masters of Reality definitely has a soft side, as proven by Give Us Barabbas. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide