Decibel Meter: Ozzy Osbourne and Record Sales

Many Sabbath-worshipping months have passed since we announced our partnership with f.y.e. for the Decibel Meter, a monthly collection featured both online and in store to make sure you don’t miss any of the Iommi-owing, Ozzy-echoing titles that make your collection extremely extreme. And this month’s list, corresponding to the issue with our Ozzy Osbourne cover story, showcases some titles that are to sure to prove the Ozzman wrong in one of his statements in our cover story (more on that below).

While the Prince of Darkness shares a great deal of insightful words of wisdom in the story (“With the Sabbath thing, I didn’t think I would get emotional, but a the last gig…I got all emotional. It’s the greatest love affair I’ve ever had in my life”), there is one particular point we think doesn’t give an accurate depiction of a situation, at least as lifelong metalheads see it. Regarding the possibility of recording another album, Ozzy stated that “I would really like to, but it’s a little confusing because people don’t buy records anymore. It’s all about streaming now, and that makes it challenging.” 

This month’s Decibel Meter is packed with titles that will be sure to display the contrary; from the return of legends (Dee Snider, For the Love of Metal and Suicidal Tendencies, Still Cyco Punk After All These Years), to crushing new entries in brilliant catalogs (Pig Destroyer, Head Cage), to self-titled reaffirmations (Jungle Rot), to new career high points (Skeletonwitch, Devouring Radiant Light), this list is packed with titles that, in the nicest way possible, disprove that statement from a metal legend.

In addition, for the vinyl junkies (after all, it is leading the resurgence in physical sales), fye is offering exclusive vinyl of Fit for a King’s Dark Skies, exclusive red vinyl of Five Finger Death Punch’s And Justice for None, and exclusive clear vinyl of Nonpoint’s X.

Now we’re certainly not trying to slander a metal icon here, but we think we can confidently say that the Decibel readership is an exception to the streaming-only path. So to further prove that point, check out the full list of this month’s Decibel Meter at f.y.e.’s website, or head straight to the nearest f.y.e location.