BLACK SABBATH · Vol.4 | BLACK LP

Black vinyl in gatefold sleeve.

Background information about 'Vol.4'

Released in 1972, "Vol. 4" stands as one of Black Sabbath's most adventurous and experimental works, marking a pivotal moment in heavy metal history. The album showcases the band at their creative peak, blending their signature doom-laden riffs with unexpected elements like the haunting piano ballad "Changes" and the atmospheric instrumental "Laguna Sunrise". Tracks like "Supernaut" and "Snowblind" demonstrate the band's ability to craft both crushing heaviness and intricate songwriting, while "Wheels of Confusion" opens the album with a masterclass in dynamic shifts that would influence generations of metal bands.

The record captures Black Sabbath during a period of intense creativity and personal turmoil, with the band's substance abuse issues paradoxically fueling some of their most innovative material. "Tomorrow's Dream" and "Under the Sun" showcase Tony Iommi's guitar wizardry at its finest, while Ozzy Osbourne's vocals range from menacing growls to surprisingly tender moments. The album's production, handled by the band themselves, gives it a raw yet polished sound that perfectly complements the darker themes and musical experimentation that would cement their legacy as heavy metal pioneers.

For fans of: Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, and Pentagram

Track listing

A1. Wheels Of Confusion
A2. Tomorrow's Dream
A3. Changes
A4. FX
A5. Supernaut
B6. Snowblind
B7. Cornucopia
B8. Laguna Sunrise
B9. St. Vitus Dance
B10. Under The Sun

Manufacturer: Universal Music GmbH, Mühlenstrasse 25, 10243 Berlin, Germany, Contact: www.universalmusic.com