BLACK SABBATH - Master of Reality12" Vinyl LP Album

- Canadian Release

Black Sabbath's "Master of Reality," a cornerstone of heavy metal, resonated deeply in Canada upon its 1971 release. The album's raw power and dark themes mirrored the era's countercultural sentiments. This Canadian perspective explores how the album's distorted riffs, haunting vocals, and controversial lyrics solidified Black Sabbath's iconic status while pushing the boundaries of rock music.

High Resolution Photo black sabbath master of reality canada Vinyl Record

On this page you will find a detailed description of the album BLACK SABBATH - Master of Reality ( Canada ) with large photos of the album cover and record labels and

Black Sabbath's "Master of Reality": A Canadian Perspective on a Heavy Metal Milestone
Album Description:

Black Sabbath's "Master of Reality," released in 1971, marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of heavy metal. Emerging in the heart of the early 70s counterculture movement, the album encapsulated the zeitgeist of disillusionment and rebellion. The band's exploration of darker themes and heavier sounds resonated with a generation grappling with social unrest and political turmoil.

Musically, "Master of Reality" cemented Black Sabbath's signature sound, defined by Tony Iommi's down-tuned, distorted guitar riffs, Geezer Butler's rumbling basslines, Bill Ward's thunderous drumming, and Ozzy Osbourne's haunting vocals. The album's raw, unfiltered energy and ominous atmosphere set it apart from its contemporaries. Tracks like "Sweet Leaf," an ode to marijuana, and "Children of the Grave," a protest song against war, showcased the band's ability to blend social commentary with their distinct musical style.

The Canadian release of "Master of Reality" was produced by Rodger Bain, who had also helmed the band's previous two albums. Recorded at Island Studios in London, the album's production captured the raw essence of the band's live performances. The use of innovative recording techniques, such as the deliberate detuning of instruments, contributed to the album's unique sonic signature.

While "Master of Reality" solidified Black Sabbath's status as pioneers of heavy metal, it also sparked controversy due to its lyrical content and dark imagery. The album's exploration of themes such as drug use, occultism, and social unrest raised eyebrows among critics and conservative audiences. However, it was precisely this willingness to push boundaries that endeared the band to a generation seeking an alternative to mainstream music.

Music Genre: 

Hard Rock, Heavy Metal

Album Production Information:

The album: "BLACK SABBATH - Master of Reality (US)" was produced by: Rodger Bain for Tony Hall Enterprises

Explore how Rodger Bain shaped the sound of heavy metal with Black Sabbath, Judas Priest & UFO. Discover his raw studio magic and groundbreaking production style. Read more

This album was recorded at: Island Studios, London, England

Album cover design: Mike Stanford, Bloomsbury group

Marcus Keef (1934-2012) - Photography

Record Label & Catalognr:

Warner Bros (WB) Records BS 2562

Media Format: 

12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record 

 Country 

Made in Canada 

Photos of the LP's cover: BLACK SABBATH Master of Reality Ozzy Osbourne, Iommi, Ward, Butler
Band Members and Musicianson: BLACK SABBATH Master of Reality Ozzy Osbourne, Iommi, Ward, Butler
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne
  • Ozzy Osbourne – Vocals

    The voice that made doom feel catchy, like a nightmare you accidentally learn the chorus to.

    Ozzy Osbourne, Ozzy Osbourne is the original Black Sabbath voice, a Brummie siren who turned street-level doom into pop-scale panic. From 1968 to 1979 he fronted Sabbath through the genre’s birth-pangs, then returned for the big reunion runs (1997–2006 and 2011–2017). Fired in 1979, he detonated a solo career in 1980, first with the Blizzard of Ozz band around Randy Rhoads (1980–1982), and kept selling the same dangerous grin for decades. I never bought the "Prince of Darkness" cosplay; the real trick was making fear sound singable—half wail, half hook, all nerve. He stayed a headline force right up to his final years, when the legend outweighed the body but the voice still cut through the smoke.

    Ozzy Osbourne Wiki
  • Tony Iommi - Guitars
  • Tony Iommi – Guitar

    The riff inventor who turned missing fingertips into a whole new genre. Casual flex.

    Tony Iommi is Black Sabbath’s riff architect, the guy who turned a factory accident into the sound of heavy metal. From 1968-2017 he was the constant in Sabbath’s many shapes, anchoring the classic Ozzy run (1968-1979) and then dragging the name through every storm that followed. When the Dio-era core rebranded as Heaven & Hell (2006-2010), he proved the same hands could still summon fresh thunder. Iommi’s down-tuned, fingertip-adapted chords don’t "shred"; they loom, like machinery waking up in the dark, and that’s why every doom riff owes him rent. As a collector, I’ll take one Iommi chord over a hundred flashy solos. He stepped out solo with "Iommi" (2000) and "Fused" (2005), but the Sabbath pulse never left his fingers.

    Tony Iommi Wiki
  • Terence "Geezer" Butler - Bass
  • Terry "Geezer" Butler – Bass

    The low-end philosopher who wrote the nightmares so the rest of us could hum them in public.

    Terry "Geezer" Butler, Terence "Geezer" Butler is Black Sabbath's low-end brains trust, the bassist who made the riffs feel like factory machinery and wrote the words that haunted your bedroom wall. From 1968-1979 he anchored the classic lineup, then returned for the big reunion runs (1997-2006, 2011-2017). His lyrics leaned into war, paranoia, and sci-fi dread - think "War Pigs" and "Iron Man" - but he always sounded more human than theatrical. He also powered the Dio-era revival as Heaven & Hell (2006-2010) and even jumped into Ozzy's solo camp for the 1988 tour, because why not keep it in the family. Mid-90s he went off-grid with G//Z/R, proving he could sound modern without asking permission. I collect these records, but Geezer collected the nightmares first.

    Terry "Geezer" Butler Wiki
  • Bill Ward - Drums
  • Bill Ward – Drums

    Jazz-blooded thunder behind the doom: the swing in Sabbath’s sledgehammer.

    Bill Ward is the heartbeat of early Black Sabbath, a drummer with jazz instincts who made heavy music breathe. From 1968-1980 he powered the classic run, then returned for key chapters: the 1983 "Born Again" era, and the full-force reunion years 1997-2006, when the original engine room roared again. Before Sabbath, he and Tony Iommi crossed paths in Mythology (1967-1968), and you can hear that chemistry later in the way Ward swings inside riffs that should be too heavy to move. He even stepped out front with "Ward One: Along the Way" (1990) and "When the Bough Breaks" (1997). For me, Ward is the secret weapon: without his loose-limbed punch, Sabbath would be heavy, sure - but not alive.

    Bill Ward Wiki
Complete Track Listing of: BLACK SABBATH Master of Reality Ozzy Osbourne, Iommi, Ward, Butler
    Side One:
  1. Sweet Leaf
  2. After Forever
  3. Embryo
  4. Children of the Grave
    Side Two:
  1. Orchid
  2. Lord of this World
  3. Solitude
  4. Into the Void
Photo of BLACK SABBATH Master of Reality Ozzy Osbourne, Iommi, Ward, Butler Album's Front Cover 

High Resolution Photo black sabbath master of reality canada Vinyl Record

High Resolution Photo black sabbath master of reality canada Vinyl Record  

BLACK SABBATH Vinyl LP Discography & Album Cover Gallery (1960-1990)

A Complete Guide to Black Sabbath's Iconic Vinyl Releases from 1960 to 1990
BLACK SABBATH Vinyl Records Discography 1960-1989
BLACK SABBATH - Attention! Volume Two
BLACK SABBATH - Attention! Volume Two ( 1975, UK ) 12" Vinyl LP

 WWA 101 , 1975 , United Kingdom

In the realm of heavy metal music, few bands have achieved the iconic status and enduring influence of Black Sabbath. With their groundbreaking sound and dark lyrical themes, they pioneered a genre that continues to captivate listeners to this day. Among their many releases, the 1975 UK compilation album

Attention! Volume Two 12" Vinyl LP
BLACK SABBATH - Self-Titled
BLACK SABBATH - Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP

Vertigo 847.903 847903 , 1970 , France

In the grimy, industrial heart of 1970, Black Sabbath unleashed their eponymous debut, a record that would shake the foundations of rock music and birth a new genre: heavy metal. This wasn't your parents' rock and roll; it was darker, heavier, and steeped in occult imagery that both intrigued and terrified.

BLACK SABBATH - Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP
BLACK SABBATH - Born Again ( Offensive Album Cover )
Thumbnail Of BLACK SABBATH - Born Again album front cover

Vertigo 814 271 , 1983 , West-Germany

"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

Born Again ( Offensive Album Cover ) 12" Vinyl LP
BLACK SABBATH - Collection Vol 1 3LP Box-set
Thumbnail Of BLACK SABBATH - Collection Vol 1 album front cover

Discos Victoria VLP-101 / 30.465, 30.466, 30.467 / 9094/3, Iberofon SA , 1984 , Spain

Released during a time of great musical exploration in the early 1970s, Black Sabbath's "Collection Vol 1" 3LP box-set is a testament to the band's pioneering role in the development of heavy metal. Emerging from the industrial landscape of Birmingham, England, Black Sabbath channeled their surroundings into a sound

Collection Vol 1 3LP Box-set
BLACK SABBATH - Dehumanizer
Thumbnail Of BLACK SABBATH - Dehumanizer album front cover

  I.R.S 7 13155 , 1992 , EEC

Black Sabbath's "Dehumanizer" is a sonic sledgehammer, reuniting Dio and Appice with the metal titans. This 1992 release delves into dark themes of technological dystopia and human frailty, driven by relentless riffs and Dio's soaring vocals. A raw and powerful album that cements their legacy.

Dehumanizer 12" Vinyl LP
BLACK SABBATH - Eternal Idol
Thumbnail Of BLACK SABBATH - Eternal Idol (1987) album front cover

Vertigo 832 708 , 1987, Netherlands

Released in 1987, this powerful vinyl album marked a bold transformation in sound and style, blending melodic depth with a harder-edged production. Featuring refined songwriting, dramatic artwork, and top-tier studio craftsmanship, it reflects a pivotal era in heavy metal history.

Eternal Idol 12" Vinyl LP
BLACK SABBATH - Greatest Hits ( White Label )
Thumbnail Of BLACK SABBATH - Greatest Hits (1977) album front cover

NEMS 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

Greatest Hits ( NEMS White Label ) 12" Vinyl LP
BLACK SABBATH - Greatest Hits ( "Fried Egg" Label )
Thumbnail Of BLACK SABBATH - Greatest Hits album front cover

1977

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".

Greatest Hits ( "Fried Egg" Label ) 12" Vinyl LP
BLACK SABBATH - Headless Cross
Thumbnail Of BLACK SABBATH - Headless Cross (1989) album front cover

 I.R.S. 064-24 1005 , 1989 , EEC

"Headless Cross" was the 14th studio album by Black Sabbath and was released on 24 April 1989. The album was recorded at Battery Studios in London. The album featured 10 tracks, including the titular "Headless Cross," "Devil & Daughter," and "When Death Calls."

Headless Cross 12" Vinyl LP
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.

Heaven and Hell 12" Vinyl LP
BLACK SABBATH - Live Evil 2Lp Germany
Thumbnail Of BLACK SABBATH - Live Evil 2Lp Germany album front cover

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 of the Mob Rules World Tour

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

Vertigo 6650 009, 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.

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

Vertigo PRID 11 / 826-882 , 1983 , UK / England

Black Sabbath's "Live Evil," a double live album released in 1982, captures the band's tumultuous yet creatively fertile period with Ronnie James Dio at the helm. Recorded during their 1982 world tour, "Live Evil" documents the band's dynamic live performances, showcasing a mix of Dio-era material

Live Evil 2LP England
BLACK SABBATH - Master of Reality ( USA )
Thumbnail Of BLACK SABBATH - Master of Reality album front cover

NEMS - NEL 6004 , 1976 , USA

Black Sabbath's "Master of Reality" is a 1971 heavy metal landmark. Its down-tuned riffs, dark lyrics about drugs and war, and experimental elements like a cough and cello solidified the band's sound and cemented their place in music history. Recorded at Island Studios with producer Rodger Bain,

Master of Reality ( USA ) 12" Vinyl LP
BLACK SABBATH - Master of Reality ( Canada )
Thumbnail Of BLACK SABBATH - Master of Reality ( Canada album front cover

Warner Bros (WB) Records BS 2562 , Canada

In the heart of 1971, Black Sabbath's "Master of Reality" landed in Canada, a sonic earthquake shaking the foundations of rock. Its raw, distorted riffs, Ozzy's haunting vocals, and lyrics delving into darkness resonated with a generation seeking rebellion. This Canadian release cemented the band's place

Master of Reality ( Canada ) 12" Vinyl LP
BLACK SABBATH - Master of Reality ( WWA Records )
Thumbnail Of BLACK SABBATH - Master of Reality ( WWA Records ) album front cover

WWA Records WWA 008 , 1971 , England

Black Sabbath's "Master of Reality" (1971) is a landmark heavy metal album. Its down-tuned guitars, sludgy riffs, and Ozzy Osbourne's eerie vocals explore themes of drug use, war, and societal disillusionment. The album's raw sound and iconic tracks like "Sweet Leaf" and "Children of the Grave"

Master of Reality ( WWA Records ) 12" Vinyl LP
BLACK SABBATH - Never Say Die
Thumbnail Of BLACK SABBATH - Never Say Die album front cover

Vertigo 9124 101 , Vertigo 9124 101 1978 , Germany

"Never Say Die!" captures Black Sabbath at a turning point, with Ozzy Osbourne's imminent departure casting a shadow over the album. While experimenting with jazz and pop elements alongside their signature heavy metal sound, the band's internal struggles are evident.

Never Say Die 12" Vinyl LP
BLACK SABBATH - Paranoid ( Gt. Britain )
Thumbnail Of BLACK SABBATH - Paranoid ( Gt. Britain ) album front cover

Vertigo 6360 011 (6360011)    , 1970 , England

Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" UK 1st pressing on Vertigo with the full swirl label is a sought-after heavy metal record. Released in 1970, this album features genre-defining tracks like "War Pigs" and "Iron Man," This particular pressing is a collector's dream, prized for its rarity and historical significance.

Paranoid ( Gt. Britain ) 12" Vinyl LP
BLACK SABBATH - Paranoid ( Germany )
Thumbnail Of BLACK SABBATH - Paranoid ( Germany ) album front cover

Vertigo AA 6360 011 (6360011)    , 1970 , Germany

Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" (1970) is a landmark heavy metal album, featuring iconic tracks like the title song and "Iron Man." It captured the raw energy and social unrest of the era, with Tony Iommi's down-tuned guitar riffs, Geezer Butler's thunderous bass, Bill Ward's powerful drumming, and Ozzy Osbourne'

Paranoid ( Germany ) 12" Vinyl LP
BLACK SABBATH - Sabotage
Thumbnail Of BLACK SABBATH - Sabotage album front cover

Warner Bros BS 2822 , 1975 , USA

Black Sabbath's "Sabotage" (1975) is a raw and intense album that showcases a heavier, more experimental side of the band. Born out of internal turmoil and legal battles, the album features aggressive riffs, complex song structures, and darker lyrics reflecting their frustration.

Sabotage 12" Vinyl LP
BLACK SABBATH - Vol 4 ( Full Swirl , 1972 )
Thumbnail Of BLACK SABBATH - Vol 4 ( 1972 ) album front cover

Vertigo 6360 071 , 1972 , United Kingdom

Black Sabbath's "Vol. 4" is a landmark heavy metal album released in 1972. It features iconic tracks like "Snowblind" and "Supernaut," showcasing the band's signature dark sound and Ozzy Osbourne's powerful vocals. This Vertigo swirl label vinyl LP is a sought-after collector's item for fans

Vol 4 ( Full Swirl , 1972 ) 12" Vinyl LP
BLACK SABBATH - Vol 4 ( France )
Thumbnail Of BLACK SABBATH - Vol 4 ( France ) album front cover

Vertigo 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.

Vol 4 ( France ) 12" Vinyl LP
BLACK SABBATH - We Sold Our Soul for Rock and Roll
Thumbnail Of BLACK SABBATH - We Sold Our Soul for Rock and Roll album front cover

Victoria Records VLP 106 / 40.470 , 1984 , Spain

Black Sabbath's "We Sold Our Soul for Rock and Roll" gets the royal treatment in this Spanish 2LP vinyl release. Not only do you get the band's iconic sound in pure analog, but also a collectible poster to complete the experience. A must-have for any serious Sabbath fan or vinyl enthusiast.

We Sold Our Soul for Rock and Roll 12" Vinyl LP