A selection of popular Black Sabbath songs 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 2 is the first release on Ozzy Osbourne"s own record label, and one of the CD"s dozen tunes features Oz doing the classic "N.I.B" with pranksters Primus; 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. Pantera doing 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 band hed(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 2 proves that Sabbath did it first and best, and there"s really no improving on the original. --Katherine Turman