RONDELLUS: Sabbatum

Rondellus

Sabbatum

© 2002 Beg The Bug Records

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

SPECIAL: 10% discount if you buy more than one copy of it today!

Black Sabbath songs played on medieval instruments and sung in Latin. Think it is a joke? It isn't.

tracks

1 Verres militares - War Pigs
2 Oculi filioli - Junior's Eyes
3 Funambulus domesticus - A National Acrobat
4 Symptoma mundi - Symptom of the Universe
5 Post murum somnii - Behind the Wall of Sleep
6 Post aeternitatem - After Forever
7 Magus - The Wizard
8 Solitudo - Solitude
9 Rotae confusionis - Wheels Of Confusion
10 Planetarum vagatio - Planet Caravan
11 Via gravis - A Hard Road
12 Architectus urbis caelestis - Spiral Architect

notes

Can You imagine what Black Sabbath would have sounded like if Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward would have formed the band in the 14th century? Would "War Pigs" or "The Wizard" have been as powerful if played on medieval instruments like lute, fiddle and harp?

Curious? So was Rondellus, the renowned Estonian medieval music band. They took 12 Black Sabbath classics and turned them into something totally unheard.
You don't have to take history lessons to get the feeling. It's all on the the new CD Rondellus recorded - "Sabbatum". An amazing collection of Black Sabbath tunes played on medieval instruments and sung in Latin language.

You've probably heard all the Black Sabbath cover albums. Perhaps both "Nativity in Black" compilations are in Your CD box right now. Great records, aren't they?
But "Sabbatum" takes a closer look at all these classic Black Sabbath songs in a way it's never been done before. The angle is so differrent that You better prepare Yourself for a big surprise, a positively shocking one.

"Sabbatum" takes You on a trip. It acts like a time machine. In a single moment You will find Yourself attending a Black Sabbath show during the 14th century. You will be in a medieval cathedral where time stands still. Just You and thousands of fellow kings and queens, knights and ladies. And the tunes that made heavy metal - classic songs by Black Sabbath.

Rondellus hails from Tallinn, Estonia. The band was formed by Maria and Robert Staak in 1993 to perform and promote medieval and renaissance music. All members of the group are professional musicians with years of experience in Estonia's finest early music groups (Hortus Musicus and others).

Rondellus' repertoire includes both sacred and secular music ranging from Gregorian chants to love and drinking songs and instrumental dances, including music of the trouvères and troubadours, works by Hildegard of Bingen, Guillaume Machaut, Francesco Landini, Guillaume Du Fay, Gilles Binchois, Josquin Des Pres and others. Together with "Sabbatum", Rondellus has recorded 4 albums.


reviews

Please log in to review this album.

  • unique
    author: Arthur Raymond

    Listen to this album with your eyes closed. Let it show you an elsewhere that time forgot to erase. The unique style combined with powerful Sabbath tunes will leave you in a state of awe.

  • genius
    author: Joseph Leonard

    i think the Latin just puts it so far over the top, it is untouchable.

  • magnum bonum
    author: Kevin Watts

    Unique, hope there is more to follow.

  • The Most Unique Album Ever
    author: Tim Gibson

    Talk about reverse engineering. I thought I was back in time, in Rome, and listening to an artist's rendition of future music. The concept blows away anything I've ever listened to except Saint-Saens The Swan. Planet Caravan from Rondellus is probably the best send away I've ever heard. I can imagine this piece of music playing during a loved one's funeral. It brings tears to my eyes regularly. My mother would even love it since she prefers the Latin Mass over the English one. I want more from this band, maybe a Back In Black or Pyromania tribute. Keep it up Rondellus. I'll be waiting...

  • Awesome, if a little slow
    author: Michael

    Another CD bought from CDBabay on a whim, turns up trumps! Rondellus gives a faithful interpretation of Black Sabbath classics. Only gripes - no Iron Man, no Paranoid, and could have benefitted from some more uptempo stuff. Otherwise it's a good buy!

  • What an extraordinary idea!
    author: Ezzie The Fourth

    The reason I like to buy from CD Baby is it gives me a chance to hear things that are very different from the main stream of listening. I hadn't really listened to Black Sabbath since I was a kid and I only recognised a few of the melodies but the whole thing really works well. Just dont try the Sex Pistols!

  • My friends won't believe me.
    author: Jesse

    This CD was fantastic. It's amazing to see my friends' faces when I play it for them for awhile and then tell them what it is. The best part is when they start hearing the original version of the songs in their heads and are amazed at the new rendition. Fun for lovers of rock AND medieval music.

  • beautiful and raw
    author: jean

    i would have prefered it less religious sounding.an authentic medieval sound though,not too polished and very beautifull.exquisitly rythmic and sparse.late night with candles.perfect.

  • Very surprising
    author: smacss

    what a surprise - I bought the cd for a lark, and am going to give it now to my Sabbath-appreciating son and son-in-law. The music, and especially the lyrics, translate surprisingly well into Latin and the medieval musical style.

  • Fantastic if you love either Gregorian or Black Sabbath music
    author: Sabbath fan by proxy

    My husband and daughter both thought this CD was great, as Black Sabbath music, and I love the Gregorian sound. It proves that Black Sabbath's music is actually musically great, not like some of the schlock that is popular now. Black Sabbath's music can be very calming, when rendered as Gregorian Chants and other music of that period. Makes me want to go to Renn-Fest now!

  • Perfect !
    author: Jen Jen

    Big Sabbath fan - I borrowed from a friend and was a must to purchase for myself - got a second copy for a gift and it was the perfect choice - this will be playing at my wedding reception.

  • Genius That Transcends Its Genesis
    author: Ed Stepans

    This CD is absolutely incredible. Most CDs like this (say, for, example, one of the current Black Sabbath "tribute" CDs of other other artists' covers) have a couple of good cuts at best, and usually end up traded in at the used record store for a replacement copy of "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath." Not here: this CD stands completely on its own, because of the impeccable musicianship and arrangements of all of the songs. I listen to it regularly, and I am always amazed at how the masters of metal have been made so beautiful and ethereal. Buy this CD even if you don't like Black Sabbath or mteal or even rock, but you like medieval music. You won't be disappointed.

  • Roastdelles: Sabbatum
    author: Sabbatum

    Roastdelles: Music to listen to while witches are bound for an execution burning on the steak. In a single moment You will find Yourself attending a Black Sabbath show during the 14th century. So come on down. Tell a friend, grab your practitioner of Wicca neighboor, and get it now while its red hot.

  • Unbelievable
    author: Keith H

    I rarely give the top rating to an item...there is always room for improvement...but...just the thought of doing this warrants consideration and then the final product will just blow you away. Fanatastic...

  • outstanding!!!!!!!
    author: mike varboncoeur
  • This is a brilliant album that sounds like authentic medieval music.
    author: Chantal Whittington

    I first heard about this album on Fox News. I am not familiar with Black Sabbath's music, but I was intrigued at the idea of someone converting hard rock music to the medieval style. Well, I've listened to a lot of medieval music, and these songs, I swear, a person not trained in music would mistake them for authentic medieval music. My jaw dropped when I first heard this album. I completely love it, and now, I want to hear what the real songs by Black Sabbath sound like. This is a brilliant and brilliantly executed album.

  • Give this as a gift to any Black Sabbath Fan!
    author: Colby O'Donis

    I gave this album to my Father, who's Black Sabbath tapes are worn to the bone.He loved it so much ,that he wants to hire you to sing at my sisters ,up and coming wedding.So log onto www.colbyodonis.com and lets talk money.Time and place.Good Job.

  • author: CD Baby

    Black Sabbath songs played on medieval instruments and sung in Latin. Think it is a joke? It isn't. Spot-on vocal performances in a medieval chanting style... but they're singing Black Sabbath songs! Is it classical? Is it rock? The only way you'll believe it is to listen for yourself.

  • Rondellus rules
    author: pumpkinhed

    This is both a great joke, and a tribute done with what I can only describe as real devotion. These arrangements bring out a depth and meaning to the original material that is really surprising. I love this album!

  • Wonderful.
    author: Jennifer

    I bought this CD on a recommendation from a friend. I thought maybe it wasn't really going to be me style but I've found out that I really enjoy listening to it.

  • Inspirational re-creation to me, a jaded classical musician. Sublime!
    author: www.rolandbowman.com

    Words cannot describe this magnificant re-creation. I should know because I am classiccally trained. Inspired me to re think my position and get back to the music. Thanks for sharing a true work of fine art.

  • Excellent in every department.
    author: Captain Numpty

    I love "Black sabbath" and I love early music. This is the best of both worlds for me. =)

  • much more than I expected
    author: gregg

    I bought this cd to bother a friend who is a Sabbath purist. When I listened to it I was pleasantly suprised by how good it is. I think this is the ultimate tribute to Sabbath that talented musicians would take the time to make this cd. Good job.

  • THE FUN ! THE FUN ! THE FUN ! THE FUN ! THE FUN !
    author: Alex

    I LIKE JOKEs ! This is EXELENT joke !! :) I write joky music - I know what i mean. Alex,www.rossiver.com

  • Perfect in every way
    author: Connie

    This CD is so excellent that I bought two, one for me and one for my best friend. Every song is unique and wonderful. Thank you Rondellus for your amazing creation.

  • This record rocks!!!
    author: Branuenn

    I am a historical recreationist who loves rock. This is an incredible marriage of my two favorite styles of music. Even my 16 year old son the metal head likes it! Now they have to do the Rolling Stones!!

  • My only complaint..."I DIDN'T THINK OF IT !!"
    author: RJ HAMPTON JR.

    A good song can survive most any Bastardization, and These Black Sabbath classics prove once again they are Truely "TIMELESS". This album is a must have for everyone from the Black Sabbath fan to the new age / world fusion connoisseur. Fantastic !

  • Awesome job ! Very interesting with great vocals . Tastefully done...
    author: Edward Dowdy of Pinnacle Records

    I can truely appreciate diverse musical talent on this album. The feel of the 14th century is captured wonderfully.The production is a masterpiece as well. Bravo ... This recording is a work of art & should be utilized in a play or Motion picture. I commend the effort!Edward Dowdy Email... goldenloadies@aol.com

  • Something new and different
    author: Steve S... Long Island, NY

    I've purchased all of Black Sabbath's albums 3 times; on LP, cassette, and CD. I've played them all to death many times over. Of all the Sabbath tribute albums I've bought or been given, only two stand out: 2002's The String Quartet Tribute To Black Sabbath; and Sabbatum, by Rondellus. After playng my Sabbath albums literally thousands of times, I can really appriciate a new and different approach to the Black Sabbath sound. Rondellus has done something truly unique here. The music is played not on classical instruments, but on ones that are nearly arcane in nature. I don't think I'd ever heard of a lute, gothic harp, or an organistrum before reading the credits in the CD's pamphlet. I smiled to myself as I read and heard the lyrics in Latin, and noted the song titles also in Latin. I find myself singing the songs to myself in English as they perform in Latin. It's great to see that so many other Sabbath fans enjoy this CD as much as I do. If you or someone you know is a Black Sabbath fan, get this album... their CD collection is incomplete without it.

  • superb, atmospheric sound
    author: Dave Webster

    A beautiful cd. Black Sabbath and Rondellus are made for each other. I'm not a big fan of tribute albums or cover tracks in general, but Rondellus do a superb job of recreating some of my favourite Sabbath songs here. I would like to hear more Ozzy era songs given this treatment.

  • A genuinely amazing, haunting work of art
    author: Nate Merit

    As a longtime fan of Black Sabbath, I was electrified when hearing the Medieval interpretation of Black Sabbath by Rondellus. This CD is among my all time favorites now, and it has opened up a new vista of music for me. Even if you aren't a fan of Black Sabbath, this CD will amaze you and haunt you as it has me.

  • Congratulations on your success...
    author: L-Love (www.cdbaby.com/llove)

    Congratulations on your success. You truly have a UNIQUE album and that is the reason for your great sales success. Other artists and labels need to learn some things from you. Keep It Up!

  • Great CD
    author: adrian

    Good potential

  • Great stuff...really different take on Black Sabbath
    author: Rick

    This is a great take on Black Sabbath...somehow putting their words in Latin and the music in medieval style is very appropriate. From what little I know of early music, the performances are both authentic and excellent.

  • Great !
    author: J Blakey

    This is the first cd I have purchased in a long time that is a great listen ALL the way through! Rondellus and Mihkel Raud did a fabulous job! and quick service from darling little cdbaby! coothiecootchiecoo!

  • Great album.
    author: pkwytchdoctor

    I really enjoyed it. Something unusual. Also, great service from CD Baby.com

  • transcendent takes on our modern sacred music
    author: Erik Hinds

    Sabbatum features transcedent takes on our modern sacred music...that of Black Sabbath. The simplicity in form and melody of the original source becomes a launching point for a deep and complete meditative soundworld. Beautiful.

  • Haunting and evocative , a must have!
    author: Juan Ramirez

    For long time fans of Black Sabbath (and music lovers in general) this is an unexpected pleasure. Rondellus have done a masterful job of taking the macabre, mysterious and meloncoly subtexts always implicit in the Sabs material and making them beautifully explicit. Extra points for tackling some of the more obscure and overlooked sabbath songs and avoiding some of the more obvious choices (no Paranoid! HOORAYY!}.

  • Latin teachers will love this!
    author: Nancy Dennis

    I love the sound this group has created. As a Latin teacher, it is a rare and wonderful occurrence to have a CD sung in Latin that is not Christmas carols or chant (which I love, by the way) It's also very cool to have students translate the Latin and then bring in their favorite lyrics to traslate into Latin. Thanks to Nicole for the heads up on this CD and thank you all for being such wonderful and creative musicians.

  • If you like black sabbath and are openminded you'll love this CD
    author: Antonio

    Nice and unusual rendition of sabbath tunes, incredible arrengements, medieval voices and instruments plus translated to latin. I really like this CD. Why don't I give 5 stars? A)track selectiion: all are ozzy era material. what about headless cross, anno mundi, sign of the southern cross, zero the hero, etc which I consider more suitable for a medieval arrangement. After all there's life after ozzy, and many of us sabbath fans dare think that a better life.. B)I would like a little more instrumentation in some tracks to make them more recognizable (ah, those iommi riffs...) Anyway I'm looking forward to Sabbatum II: Not Ozzium Anni

  • Spiritual & Inspirational
    author: Wolfgang

    Congratulations on the rendering of Black Sabbath's tracks. Simply amazing, with a spiritual musicality that takes Sabbath into the hall of fame of classics. Please Rondellus, give us more of this great inspiration.

  • In my scriptorium.....
    author: Christophe of Grey

    As I sit in my scriptorium (I do caligraphy) this CD is my motivation. Thank you so much for producing such a beautiful CD full of music!!!! When can we get more???

  • We love it so much we're using it for our wedding!
    author: UberGurl
  • author: Allan Haavapuu

    Thank You Rondellus and Mihkel Raud! Defenetly will buy your next CD.

  • Fantastic
    author: Ruth

    I have to say that this CD is absolutely fantastic. One of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard. I can't get enough of it. So please give us more :-)

  • You Have Pushed Black Sabbath Into the Classical Music Genre.
    author: Peter Maizitis

    Wow! Sveiks! Well done ... bravo ... cheers! You have truly pushed Black Sabbath music into the classical music genre. Ozzy and Beethoven? I am forwarding information about your music to my contacts at Latvian National Public Radio (RE: "Klassica"). Peteris Maizitis ... A Latvian in Cleveland! Dance of the Druids

  • Love this CD!!!
    author: Linda Register

    This is a wonderful, unexpected interpretation of Black Sabbath...in Latin, with beautiful melodies. Feels like being in a cathedral in Britain at evening vespers, but with Ozzy & Black Sabbath in the background. Please, Sabbatum, don't stop now! I want more CDs from you!

  • So, where is Vol. II ?
    author: Vegar Olsen

    This is not as much a review, as but a plea for a Vol. II of Sabbath songs. There are many songs still to be covered - in particular the fast ones, and not to forget the instrumentals. Also - and this is what drags my rating down to four stars - there are no songs with the word "sabbath" in it on Vol I ... To hear the word "sabbath" in latin would be nice... Also I din't know wether latin includes the expression "snowblind". The construction of a new word in translating the subtle C-word in the aforementioned song of that name, would be nice... Regards Vegar Olsen

  • Relaxing Sabbath music?
    author: Chris

    Here's a track by track review of this album: Verres Militares- Vocally good, but some more instruments on this song would have been cool. 3.5 stars Oculi Filioli- Here is where the album starts to get good. This track was very well done, but the "Vae" parts are a little cheesy and could have been easily discarded. 4.5 stars Funambulus Domesticus- "A National Acrobat" as you've never heard before...hearing the infamous guitar riffs played on violins was eye-opening. I never thought it would sound so good. 5 stars. Symptoma Mundi- Good, but not great. It was too slow, so it sounded way different from the original. In some ways that was cool, but it just didn't sound right. 4 stars Post Murum Somnii- The album gets better here again. This song is an almost perfect Latin rendition of "Behind The Wall of Sleep". 4.5 stars Post Aeternitatem- A very relaxing rendition of "After Forever". This song actually sounds very good with only the singing. 5 stars Magus- Awesome. 5 stars Solitudo- This is perhaps the best song on the album. It sounds just like the original, only in Latin. Rondellus here makes the song sound like it ought to have been in Latin in the first place. A stunning performance by Vikko Kiiver. 5 stars (I'd give it 6, but I'm working the five star scale here) Rotae Confusionis- When I noticed that Rondellus had a Latin version of "Wheels of Confusion", I never thought they could pull it off in their medieval style. I could not have been farther from the truth. This song is excellent. 5 stars Planetarium Vagatio- This song is good, but not great. 4 stars Via Gravis- Wow. I didn't think anyone could do this song better than Ozzy. If Rondellus falls short of that, then it is not by much. 5 stars Architectus Urbis Caelestis- This was a fitting end to Sabbath's fifth album, and Rondellus using it to end this album is equally as fitting. I always believed this song summed up Sabbath's style so well. 5 stars This album is very good, and probably a must-have for any Sabbath fan because it is at least interesting to hear the songs played like this. The singing is excellent, and the band sounds extremely professional. Why they are not more well-known, I do not know.

  • Haunting versions of classic Sabbath. Not to be missed!
    author: Tom Recchia

    Many people have several legitimate gripes about Black Sabbath. 1. Too repetitive 2. Silly lyrics 3. Nursery Rhyme-esque melodies 4. Ozzy's voice Sabbatum turns those weaknesses into strengths. The latin translations do away with the low brow lyrics (unless you know Latin), the repetition and sing-songy melodies work well in the context of plain chant or folk music, and the singers are all classically trained. The two tracks taken from Never Say Die! are actually better than the originals and the rest of the songs are nearly all just as good. A must for Sabbath fans and a possible conversion tool for the uninitiated.

  • A tapestry of harmonically woven reverence
    author: Michael Teetering

    A tapestry of harmonically woven reverence to one of the all-time great Heavy Metal Bands by a group who obviously holds them in the highest esteem. This CD belongs in the collection of anyone who appreciates music presented from the soul.

  • Wonderful!!!
    author: Laura Rhoades-Stovall

    This CD is beyond the word excellent...I have very rarely enjoyed anything more. It is inspired and such an orginial thing to do with some very classic songs. I hope to see more..and if you have any doubts about buying this..dont..buy it NOW!!

  • Whoa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    author: Boka

    So awesome it makes me want to weep!! Classic Sabbath done justice in a classical setting. I can picture myself in a castle sipping some pale ale!

  • It's About Time!
    author: Music Fan

    It's About time someone besides burned-out metal-heads give Sabbath the attention they deserve. Sabbath may not be "smart" rock or even the most talented, but they are damn good at writing songs and this is why they have been my favorite for years. Combine these well written songs with an inherantly beautiful style and you have a winning combination. The most refreshing album since Sky Valley, Excellent.

  • The real Sabbath Tribute
    author: Eduardo Guimarães

    This is the BEST BLACK SABBATH TRIBUTE that I´ve heard in my life! And I am so happy for being one of the few Brazilians that had the pleasure to have and listen this album!!

  • Unbelivable!
    author: Geoff Martin

    One of the most wonderful thing that i have listened in my life! It gives me the wish to listen all Sabbath albums! Wonderful! Wonferful! Wonderful!

  • Black Sabbath receive their highest accolade with this album.
    author: Steve Cann.

    Menacing and damming rock songs have been gently and passionately cradled into the arms of this beautiful band Rondellus.The end product is amazing! Black Sabbath have received their highest accolade, with this, the ultimate Sab tribute album.

  • Very Interesting Stuff
    author: Peter Cooper

    I don't know latin, but have always had a facination with songs sung in latin because it just sounds so cool, like in "THE OMEN" "AVI SATANI". Anyway being a huge Sabbath fan I can dig it. Yes I did feel like I was a Knight protecting the castle on horseback.

email

Please log in to email this artist.