Nativity in Black 2: A Tribute to Black Sabbath
A selection of popularBlack Sabbathsongs interpreted by longtime metallic favorites (Megadeth,Slayer), newer rock kids (Godsmack,Static-X) and a wild card (Busta Rhymes) makes for a fun, if surprisingly middle-of-the-road, listen.NIB 2is the first release onOzzy Osbourne's own record label, and  one of the CD's dozen tunes features Oz doing the classic "N.I.B" with prankstersPrimus; however, there's not enough of Les Claypool's bass peeking through on the otherwise stellar title. Static-X's otherwise distinct techno take on "Behind the Wall of Sleep" loses the song's inherent groove. Megadeth's true-to-the original version of "Never Say Die" is rollicking.Panteradoing the dirge "Electric Funeral" is not as aggro as one might hope; on the other hand, Slayer turn in a raw and dynamic version of "Hand of Doom." Truly unique renderings come from California bandhed(p.e.), who do a trippy, hip-hop/funk version of  "Sabbra Cadabra," and from Busta Rhymes, with his take on "Iron Man." Ultimately, though,NIB 2proves that Sabbath did it first and best, and there's really no improving on the original.--Katherine Turman