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
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.
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.
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.
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".
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal
Vertigo 814 271
This album "BLACK SABBATH - Born Again" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and photos.
Record Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record. Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1983 Made in West Germany
Ian Gillan, a British singer from London, is best known as the lead singer of the legendary British hard rock and heavy metal band, Deep Purple. He also had a stint as the lead singer of Black Sabbath from 1983 to 1984.
Ian Gillan was born on August 19, 1945, in Chiswick, Canada Bay, New South Wales, Australia. His exceptional vocal abilities and charismatic stage presence propelled him to the forefront of the music industry.
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Gillan's musical journey with Deep Purple began in 1970 when he joined the band and worked alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Malcolm Arnold. At the age of 24, he made significant contributions to their album "In Rock" (1970). The following year, at 25 years old, Gillan's powerful vocals featured prominently on Deep Purple's iconic album "Machine Head" (1971) and "Fireball" (1971). His distinctive voice continued to captivate audiences as he recorded with the band for albums like "Made in Japan" (1972) and "Who Do We Think We Are" (1973).
In 1983, Ian Gillan took on a new musical venture as a member of Black Sabbath, working on their album "Born Again." His time with the band allowed him to explore different musical styles and showcase his versatility as a vocalist. The following year, in 1984, he returned to Deep Purple and contributed to the album "Perfect Strangers" (1984). His rejoining of the band marked a triumphant comeback and reaffirmed his status as one of rock music's iconic frontmen.
Ian Gillan's commitment to music remained unwavering as he continued to work with Deep Purple on albums such as "The House of Blue Light" (1987) and "Nobody's Perfect" (1988), released when he was 41 and 42 years old, respectively. Throughout his career, Gillan's powerful voice, range, and dynamic stage presence have made him one of the most influential and recognizable figures in rock music.
Ian Gillan's contributions to the music industry, both as a solo artist and as the lead singer of Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, have left an indelible mark on the rock and heavy metal genres. His distinct vocal style and unforgettable performances have earned him a place among the greatest rock vocalists of all time.
Timeline of IAN Gillan musical career1962: Gillan joins his first band, The Javelins, as their lead vocalist.
1965: Gillan becomes a member of Episode Six, a British rock band known for their energetic live performances.
1969: Deep Purple, an English rock band, invites Gillan to audition for the lead vocalist position. He joins the band and records the album "Deep Purple in Rock", which marks a shift towards a heavier and more progressive sound for the band.
1970: Deep Purple releases the album "Deep Purple in Rock", which becomes a commercial success and establishes the band as pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal.
1973-1975: Gillan leaves Deep Purple due to creative differences and forms a band called simply "Gillan". They release a series of albums and achieve moderate success, with notable hits like "New Orleans" and "Trouble".
1983: Gillan rejoins Deep Purple, replacing David Coverdale as the lead vocalist. The band releases the album "Perfect Strangers", which reunites the classic Deep Purple lineup and receives critical acclaim.
1989: Gillan leaves Deep Purple once again, citing exhaustion and creative differences.
1992: Gillan forms a new band called "Gillan's Inn" and releases an album under the same name. The band continues to tour and release new music intermittently.
1993: Gillan reunites with Deep Purple once more, and the band releases the album "The Battle Rages On..".. However, tensions within the band lead to Gillan leaving once again in 1994.
1999: Gillan rejoins Deep Purple for their 25th anniversary and continues to be an active member of the band to this day. They release several successful albums, including "Bananas" (2003) and "Now What?!" (2013).
2020: Deep Purple releases their 21st studio album, "Whoosh!", featuring Gillan's powerful vocals and songwriting contributions.
Tony Iommi (Full-name: Anthony Frank Iommi) an English guitarist and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist and one of the founding members of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Iommi is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important figures in the history of heavy metal, and is credited with helping to shape the sound and style of the genre.
Iommi was born in Birmingham, England in 1948 and began playing guitar at a young age. In 1969, he formed Black Sabbath with singer Ozzy Osbourne, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1970, is considered one of the first heavy metal albums and is widely regarded as a classic of the genre. Over the course of their career, Black Sabbath released numerous hit albums, including "Paranoid" (1970), "Master of Reality" (1971), and "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" (1973).
Iommi's guitar playing is characterized by his heavy, driving riffs, intricate solos, and use of distortion and feedback. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest guitarists in the history of rock music and has been awarded numerous accolades for his contributions to the genre. In 2005, he was ranked number 25 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time.
In addition to his work with Black Sabbath, Iommi has also collaborated with numerous other artists and released several solo albums. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath, and his contributions to heavy metal and rock music continue to be celebrated and recognized by fans and industry professionals alike.
Anthony Frank Iommi was born in Birmingham, City and Borough of Birmingham, England, United Kingdom on 19 February 1948. He is the first child of Anthony Frank Iommi Sr. and Sylvia Maria Valenti.
One of his partners was Valery Iommi 1987. He married Susan Snowdon in 1973. He married Melinda Diaz in 1980. He married Maria Sjöholm in 2005. He was 25 years old when he married Susan Snowdon. He was 32 years old when he married Melinda Diaz. He was 57 years old when he married Maria Sjöholm. He got divorced from Valery Iommi in 1993. He got divorced from Susan Snowdon in 1976. He got divorced from Melinda Diaz in 1985. He has one daughter with Melinda Diaz: Toni-Marie Iommi.
During 1980 he works as a musician in "Heaven and Hell", Black Sabbath. He was 32 years old at that point. During 1989 he works as a musician in "Headless Cross", Black Sabbath. He was 41 years old at that point. During 1989 he works as a musician in "Headless Cross", Black Sabbath. He was 41 years old at that point. His occupation is guitarist.
Terry "Geezer" Butler (Full-name: Terence Michael Joseph "Geezer" Butler) is an English bassist and songwriter, best known as the bassist and primary lyricist for the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important bassists in the history of heavy metal, and is credited with helping to shape the sound and style of the genre.
Butler was born in Birmingham, England in 1949 and formed Black Sabbath in 1969 with singer Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, and drummer Bill Ward. The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1970, is considered one of the first heavy metal albums and is widely regarded as a classic of the genre. Over the course of their career, Black Sabbath released numerous hit albums, including "Paranoid" (1970), "Master of Reality" (1971), and "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" (1973).
Butler's bass playing is characterized by his heavy, driving basslines, innovative use of distortion and effects, and his ability to create memorable melodies and grooves. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest bassists in the history of rock music and has been awarded numerous accolades for his contributions to the genre. In 2005, he was ranked number 90 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 greatest bassists of all time.
In addition to his work with Black Sabbath, Butler has also collaborated with numerous other artists and released several solo albums. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath, and his contributions to heavy metal and rock music continue to be celebrated and recognized by fans and industry professionals alike.
Bill Ward (Full-name: William Thomas Ward) an English drummer and percussionist, best known as a founding member of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. He played with Black Sabbath from their formation in 1969 until 1980 and again from 1983 to 1985 and from 1990 to 1992. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath.
Ward was born in Birmingham, England in 1948, and began playing drums at a young age. In 1969, he co-founded Black Sabbath with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and singer Ozzy Osbourne. Over the course of their career, Black Sabbath released numerous hit albums and became one of the biggest and most influential heavy metal bands of all time.
Ward's drumming is characterized by its power, precision, and versatility, and he is widely recognized as one of the greatest drummers in the history of heavy metal. He is known for his innovative use of syncopation, his ability to create complex rhythms, and his use of unconventional drumming techniques, such as using drumsticks and bare hands.
In addition to his work with Black Sabbath, Ward has also collaborated with numerous other artists, including Vinny Appice, Max Cavalera, and Chris Slade. He has been awarded numerous accolades for his contributions to the genre, and his contributions to heavy metal and rock music continue to be celebrated and recognized by fans and industry professionals alike.
Geoff Nicholls (real-name: Geoffrey James Nicholls) is a keyboardist, musician and best known for the period where he performed with the NWOBHM band "Black Sabbath". Other bands he has performed with include Johnny Neal and the Starliners, Quartz, The Boll Weevils, The Seed, Tony Martin, World of Oz.
The Songs/tracks on "BLACK SABBATH - Born Again" are
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Back Cover Photo of "BLACK SABBATH - Born Again" Album |
Close-up of the Red Vertigo Record Label with catalognr 814 271-1
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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. |
Black Sabbath is one of the most influential and groundbreaking bands in the history of rock and heavy metal music. Formed in Birmingham, England in 1968, the band consisted of lead vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. With their unique sound and dark imagery, Black Sabbath single-handedly created the heavy metal genre and laid the foundation for countless metal bands that followed.
Black Sabbath's sound was heavily influenced by blues rock, but they took it to a new level with the incorporation of dark and eerie elements. Their music often featured heavy and distorted guitar riffs, bass-driven grooves, and powerful drum beats, and the lyrics often dealt with darker and more ominous themes, such as death, evil, and the occult. This combination of hard-hitting music and lyrics that dealt with taboo subject matter was a departure from the more upbeat and lighthearted music that was popular at the time, and it quickly gained a cult following.
One of the key elements of Black Sabbath's sound was Tony Iommi's distinctive guitar playing. Iommi was known for his fast and aggressive playing style, which was characterized by his use of powerful riffs and solos. Despite losing the tips of two of his fingers in a factory accident, Iommi was able to adapt his playing style to accommodate the injury, and his signature sound became one of the hallmarks of the heavy metal genre.
In addition to their music, Black Sabbath's image was also a major factor in their appeal. The band was known for their dark and mysterious stage presence, and their album covers and merchandise often featured imagery of death, evil, and the occult. This aesthetic helped to further set them apart from other bands of the time and gave them a unique and memorable identity.Black Sabbath's impact on the heavy metal genre cannot be overstated. They were one of the first bands to play what would later be called heavy metal, and they paved the way for countless metal bands that followed. The band's influence can be heard in countless metal and hard rock bands, from early heavy metal pioneers like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, to more contemporary bands like Slayer and Metallica.
Despite their success and influence, Black Sabbath faced numerous challenges throughout their career. The band was often criticized for their dark and controversial image, and they were frequently targeted by moral and religious groups who saw their music and lyrics as a threat to society. Despite these challenges, the band continued to produce new music and tour, and their popularity only continued to grow.
Black Sabbath had several line-up changes throughout their career. Here is a list of the most notable line-ups:
Original line-up (1968–1979): Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums). This is considered the classic line-up of the band, and they recorded some of their most iconic albums together, including "Black Sabbath," "Paranoid," "Master of Reality," and "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath."
WWA 101 , 1975 , United Kingdom
This album "Attention! Volume Two" is a compilation album with Black Sabbath songs from the 1970's and includes some classic songs like: "Rat Salad" and "War Pigs".
Show DetailsVertigo 847.903 847903 , 1970 , France
"Black Sabbath" is the debut album by the British Heavy Metal band with the same name.
Show DetailsVertigo 814 271 , 1983 , West-Germany
This album cover eventually caused controversy and has been hated by some fans.
Show DetailsDiscos Victoria VLP-101 / 30.465, 30.466, 30.467 / 9094/3, Iberofon SA , 1984 , Spain
This "Collection Vol 1" is a hard to find compilation box-set containing 3 12" vinyl LP's.
Show DetailsI.R.S 7 13155 , 1992 , EEC
Dehumanizer is the first album in over a decade to re-unite Ronnie James Dio and Vinny Appice
Show DetailsVertigo 832 708 , 1987, Netherlands
The Eternal Idol is the thirteenth studio album by Black Sabbath, released in December 1987. It is the first of several Black Sabbath albums to feature longtime vocalist Tony Martin.
Show DetailsNEMS NEL 6009 , 1977 , West-Germany
This is the "Greatest Hits" compilation album released in 1977 on the NEMS Record Label. The illustration on the album front cover is "El Triunfo de la Muerte" by Pieter Bruegel, El Viejo and the record's label is white with black typography
Show Details1977
This is the "Greatest Hits" compilation album released in 1977 on the NEMS Record Label. The illustration on the album front cover is "El Triunfo de la Muerte" by Pieter Bruegel, El Viejo and the record's label shows a "Fried Egg".
Show DetailsI.R.S. 064-24 1005 , 1989 , EEC
This album "Headless Cross" has been released in 1989 on the I.R.S. Record Label and the band features "Brian May" , "Tony Martin", "Cozy Powell" and "Laurence Cottle".
Show DetailsVertigo 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.
Show DetailsVertigo 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
Show DetailsVertigo 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.
Show DetailsVertigo PRID 11 / 826-882 , 1983 , Netherlands
"Live Evil" is the first official live album by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath.
Show DetailsNEMS - NEL 6004 , 1976 , USA
This album "Master of Reality (US)" is the third album released by the British Heavy Metal band: Black Sabbath.
Show DetailsWarner 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.
Show DetailsWWA 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.
Show DetailsVertigo 9124 101 , Vertigo 9124 101 1978 , Germany
"Never Say Day" is the 1978 official full-length album by the British Rock band "Black Sabbath"
Show DetailsVertigo 6360 011 (6360011) , 1970 , England
This is the collectable copy of Paranoid with the full swirl on the inner sleeve as well as on the record label. This page describes all the details of this album Paranoid.
Show DetailsVertigo AA 6360 011 (6360011) , 1970 , Germany
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.
Show DetailsWarner Bros BS 2822 , 1975 , USA
This page describes "Sabotage" the sixth full-length album by "Black Sabbath" and released in 1975.
Show DetailsVertigo 6360 071 , 1972 , United Kingdom
"Vol 4" was originally to be titled Snowblind, after one of several tracks referring to cocaine use. The album was recorded in California, the first time Sabbath had recorded a studio album outside the United Kingdom.
Show DetailsVertigo 6360 071 , 1972 , France
This is the French Edition of Black Sabbath's Vol 4 which was originally to be titled Snowblind, after one of several tracks referring to cocaine use. The album was recorded in California, the first time Sabbath had recorded a studio album outside the United Kingdom.
Show DetailsVictoria Records VLP 106 / 40.470 , 1984 , Spain
This is the rare Spanish Edition of Black Sabbath's - We Sold Our Soul for Rock and Roll".
Show Details