BLACK SABBATH - Born Again West-German release 12" Vinyl LP Album

The album front cover art, designed by Steve Joule, features an image of an infant with horns and vampire fangs. The cover eventually caused controversy and has been hated by some fans. Drummer Bill Ward has said that he did not like the album's cover and according to him, then-singer Ian Gillan told the press that he vomited when he first saw the cover. Guitarist Tony Iommi approved the album cover. Despite the controversy, the album has never had an alternate cover

Banned Album cover photos of : BLACK SABBATH - Born Again

On this page you will find a detailed description of the album "Born Again" by "Black Sabbath" with large photos of the album cover ( front and back ) , record labels (s) and vinyl records.

Album Description

When it comes to heavy metal and rock music, few bands can claim the level of influence and impact that Black Sabbath has had. Throughout their storied career, they have pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and crafted some of the most iconic and enduring songs in the genre. One album that stands out in their extensive discography is "Born Again", released in 1983. In particular, the West-German release of this 12" vinyl LP album holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors and fans.

"Born Again" marked a significant moment for Black Sabbath as it was the only studio album to feature Ian Gillan, the legendary frontman of Deep Purple, on vocals. The band's lineup for this release included Tony Iommi on guitar, Geezer Butler on bass, and Bill Ward on drums. The album was produced by Robin Black and the band themselves, ensuring their artistic vision remained intact.

The sound engineering was handled by Steve Chase, who worked meticulously to capture the raw and heavy essence of Black Sabbath's music. Chase's expertise in capturing the intensity of live performances translated well into the studio environment, allowing the band's immense energy to shine through each track.

In terms of visual aesthetics, "Born Again" featured remarkable photography by Ross Halfin. Halfin, known for his work with numerous iconic rock bands, captured the band's larger-than-life presence and intensity. The album cover, featuring a demonic infant against a crimson background, instantly became a distinctive and memorable symbol of Black Sabbath's unique brand of dark and atmospheric music.

The artwork for the West-German release of "Born Again" was the brainchild of Steve Barrett and Steve Joule. Their collaboration resulted in a striking and visually captivating package that complemented the music perfectly. From the detailed illustrations to the overall design, the artwork captured the album's ominous and foreboding atmosphere, further immersing listeners into Black Sabbath's sonic world.

The year 1983 was a significant period for the band, and the West-German release of "Born Again" holds historical value for collectors and fans alike. Made in West Germany, this particular edition of the album became a coveted item for enthusiasts due to its unique characteristics and limited availability. Owning this vinyl LP album allowed fans to connect with the band's music in a tangible and authentic manner, capturing a moment in time that would never be replicated.

"Born Again" showcased Black Sabbath's ability to evolve their sound while staying true to their core identity. The album featured tracks like "Trashed", "Disturbing the Priest", and "Zero the Hero", which displayed the band's signature heavy riffs, dark lyrical themes, and captivating vocal performances by Ian Gillan. It was an album that pushed boundaries and demonstrated Black Sabbath's enduring relevance in the ever-evolving world of rock music.

Today, the West-German release of "Born Again" remains a prized possession for vinyl collectors and Black Sabbath enthusiasts. It serves as a testament to the band's influence, their willingness to explore new musical territories, and the timeless appeal of their music.

 

Album Artwork Controversy

The artwork on the front cover of Black Sabbath's "Born Again" album generated significant controversy upon its release. The image depicted a distorted and demonic-looking infant against a vivid red background, evoking a sense of horror and unease. The controversial nature of the artwork sparked a variety of reactions and interpretations among fans, critics, and the general public.

One of the primary reasons for the controversy was the album's explicit and provocative imagery. The unsettling depiction of the demonic baby raised concerns among conservative and religious groups, who believed it promoted Satanic or occult themes. In the early 1980s, there was a heightened sensitivity and moral panic surrounding heavy metal music, with allegations of Satanic influence and hidden messages in songs. The artwork of "Born Again" inadvertently fed into these fears and added fuel to the fire.

Additionally, the album cover drew criticism for its perceived shock value and grotesque nature. The distorted face of the infant, with its bulging eyes and twisted expression, was seen as disturbing and offensive by some. The use of such unsettling imagery challenged societal norms and tested the boundaries of acceptable album artwork at the time.

Despite the controversy, it is important to note that the intention behind the artwork was not to promote Satanism or offend people. The band members themselves have clarified that the image was meant to represent the sense of darkness and evil conveyed through the album's music. It was an artistic interpretation of the album's overall theme rather than an endorsement of any particular ideology.

In response to the backlash, some record stores and distributors refused to carry the album or requested alternative covers to avoid potential controversy. As a result, different versions of the album cover were produced for certain markets, featuring altered artwork or different imagery altogether.

Over time, the controversial artwork of "Born Again" has become somewhat iconic and representative of the album's dark and foreboding atmosphere. It has become a recognizable symbol of Black Sabbath's ability to evoke emotions and push boundaries through their music and visual aesthetics.

 

Album Production Information:

The album: "BLACK SABBATH - Born Again" was produced by: Robin Black and Black Sabbath

Robin Black - Producer

Robin Black ( Producer, Sound Engineer ) active since the mid-1970s as sound engineer and producer for British music bands. He has worked on early albums for the British bands : "Blodwyn Pig" "Black Sabbath" and "Jethro Tull" .

Steve Chase - Sound Engineer

Ross Halfin - Photography

Ross Halfin Ross Halfin is a British rock and roll photographer who has been active in the music industry since the 1970s. He is best known for his work capturing iconic images of some of the biggest and most influential rock and heavy metal bands of all time, including Metallica, Led Zeppelin, The Who, and many others.

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Halfin was born in London, England and got his start in photography as a young man, working as an assistant to legendary rock photographer Jorgen Angel. He quickly developed a style of his own and became known for his ability to capture the energy and excitement of live rock performances in his images.

Throughout his career, Halfin has worked with many of the biggest and most influential bands in the history of rock and heavy metal music, and has published several books of his work. He is widely regarded as one of the top rock photographers of his generation, and his images have been featured in numerous magazines, books, and exhibitions.

In addition to his photography work, Halfin is also known for his close relationships with many of the musicians he has worked with over the years, and he has been able to capture behind-the-scenes images and candid moments that provide unique insights into the lives of some of the most famous musicians in the world.

Overall, Ross Halfin is a talented and accomplished rock and roll photographer who has made a significant impact on the music industry through his iconic images of some of the biggest and most influential bands of all time.

Steve Barrett - Artwork

Steve Joule - Artwork

Steve Joule ( Album Artwork Artist ) is a British Graphics designer, and DJ, during the early 1980s he has been designed album covers for British Rock bands like "Black Sabbath", Girlschool, Iron Maiden ( Live After Death ), "Ozzy Osbourne".

Music Genre:

Hard Rock / Heavy Metal

Record Label Information

Vertigo 814 271

Packaging:

This album "BLACK SABBATH - Born Again" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and photos.

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record. Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

1983 Made in West Germany

Band Members and Musicians on: BLACK SABBATH - Born Again
Track Listing of: "BLACK SABBATH - Born Again"

The Songs/tracks on "BLACK SABBATH - Born Again" are

  1. Trashed - 4:16
  2. Stonehenge - 1:58
  3. Disturbing the Priest - 5:49
  4. The Dark - 0:45
  5. Zero the Hero - 7:35
  6. Digital Bitch - 3:39
  7. Born Again - 6:34
  8. Hot Line (Iommi, Gillan, Butler) - 4:52
  9. Keep It Warm (Iommi, Gillan, Butler) - 5:36
Banned Album cover photos of : BLACK SABBATH - Born Again
Banned Album cover photos of : BLACK SABBATH - Born Again  
Back Cover  Photo of "BLACK SABBATH - Born Again" Album

High Resolution Photo BLACK SABBATH - Born Again  Vinyl Record

 

High Resolution Photo BLACK SABBATH - Born Again  Vinyl Record

Close-up of the Red Vertigo Record Label with catalognr 814 271-1 

Close-up of the Red Vertigo Record Label with catalognr 814 271-1 

 

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash.

Index of BLACK SABBATH - 1960-1990 Album Cover Gallery 12" Vinyl LP Discography Information

BLACK SABBATH Discography 1960-1989
BLACK SABBATH - Attention! Volume Two 12" LP
 BLACK SABBATH - Attention! Volume Two ( 1975, UK )  12" LP

 WWA 101 , 1975 , United Kingdom

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BLACK SABBATH - Self-Titled 12" LP
 BLACK SABBATH - Self-Titled  12" LP

Vertigo 847.903 847903 , 1970 , France

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BLACK SABBATH - Born Again ( Offensive Album Cover )
Thumbnail Of  BLACK SABBATH - Born Again album front cover

Vertigo 814 271 , 1983 , West-Germany

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BLACK SABBATH - Collection Vol 1 3LP Box-set
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Discos Victoria VLP-101 / 30.465, 30.466, 30.467 / 9094/3, Iberofon SA , 1984 , Spain

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  I.R.S 7 13155 , 1992 , EEC

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BLACK SABBATH - Eternal Idol
Thumbnail Of  BLACK SABBATH - Eternal Idol (1987) album front cover

Vertigo 832 708 , 1987, Netherlands

"Black Sabbath's 'The Eternal Idol' (1987) ushered in a new era with vocalist Tony Martin. Produced by Patrick Meehan, Jeff Glixman, Chris Tsangarides, and Vic Coppersmith-Heaven, it showcased the band's evolution. Recorded at top studios, the album's sonic exploration and production finesse, coupled with striking cover art by Shoot That Tiger! and Cindy Palmano, solidified its impact. Released under Vertigo Records, it stands as a pivotal chapter in Black Sabbath's history."

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BLACK SABBATH - Greatest Hits ( White Label )
Thumbnail Of  BLACK SABBATH - Greatest Hits (1977) album front cover

NEMS NEL 6009 , 1977 , West-Germany

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BLACK SABBATH - Greatest Hits ( "Fried Egg" Label )
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1977

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BLACK SABBATH - Headless Cross
Thumbnail Of  BLACK SABBATH - Headless Cross (1989)  album front cover

 I.R.S. 064-24 1005 , 1989 , EEC

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BLACK SABBATH - Heaven and Hell
Thumbnail Of  BLACK SABBATH - Heaven and Hell  album front cover

Vertigo 6302 017 (6302 017) , 1980 , Germany

"Heaven and Hell" was the first album after singer Ozzy Osbourne left the band and was the first album featuring Ronnie James Dio , formerly of Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, who brought his own unique style of song writing and vocalisation to the "Black Sabbath" band.

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BLACK SABBATH - Live Evil 2Lp Germany
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Vertigo 6302 202 , 1983 , West-Germany

"Live Evil", released in 1982 and in January 1983 in the UK, is the first "official" live album by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, the previously released Live at Last (1980) not having been sanctioned by the band. It was recorded with Ronnie James Dio singing and is a document of the Mob Rules World Tour

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BLACK SABBATH - Live Evil 2LP Netherlands
Thumbnail Of  BLACK SABBATH - Live Evil 2LP Netherlands album front cover

Vertigo 6650 009, Vertigo 6302 202, Vertigo 6302 203 , 1983 , Netherlands

Black Sabbath's "Live Evil" 2LP Album, released on December 16, 1982, immortalizes the band's live prowess during their 1982 world tour. Recorded at iconic venues, the album seamlessly blends classics from the Ozzy era with Dio's powerful vocals, showcasing Black Sabbath's evolution. A sonic journey through their discography, "Live Evil" stands as a timeless testament to the band's enduring impact on heavy metal.

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BLACK SABBATH - Live Evil 2LP Netherlands
Thumbnail Of  BLACK SABBATH - Live Evil 2LP Netherlands album front cover

Vertigo PRID 11 / 826-882 , 1983 , Netherlands

"Live Evil" is the first official live album by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath.

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BLACK SABBATH - Master of Reality ( USA )
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NEMS - NEL 6004 , 1976 , USA

This album "Master of Reality (US)" is the third album released by the British Heavy Metal band: Black Sabbath.

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BLACK SABBATH - Master of Reality ( Canada )
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Warner Bros (WB) Records BS 2562 , Canada

This is the Canadian release of "Master of Reality" the third album released by the British Heavy Metal band: Black Sabbath.

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BLACK SABBATH - Master of Reality ( WWA Records )
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WWA Records WWA 008 , 1971 , England

This is the English release of "Master of Reality" , the third album released by the British Heavy Metal band: Black Sabbath.

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BLACK SABBATH - Never Say Die
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Vertigo 9124 101 , Vertigo 9124 101 1978 , Germany

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BLACK SABBATH - Paranoid ( Gt. Britain )
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Vertigo 6360 011 (6360011)    , 1970 , England

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BLACK SABBATH - Paranoid ( Germany )
Thumbnail Of  BLACK SABBATH - Paranoid ( Germany )  album front cover

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This is an early German release of Paranoid by Black Sabbath with the full swirl on the record label. This page describes all the details of this album.

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BLACK SABBATH - Vol 4 ( Full Swirl , 1972 )
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Vertigo 6360 071 , 1972 , United Kingdom

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BLACK SABBATH - Vol 4 ( France )
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Victoria Records VLP 106 / 40.470 , 1984 , Spain

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