BLACK SABBATH - Say Die 12" Vinyl LP Album

Black Sabbath's 1978 album, "Never Say Die!" captures a band at a crossroads. Released during a time of musical upheaval and internal struggles, the album reflects a mix of classic heavy metal and experimental forays into jazz and other genres. While not their most commercially successful or critically acclaimed work, "Never Say Die!" offers a glimpse into a band pushing their boundaries, even as they faced an uncertain future.

High Resolution Photo black sabbath never say die (1978, germany) Vinyl Record

On this page you will find a detailed description of the album BLACK SABBATH - Say Die with large photos of the album cover ( front and back ) , record labels

Black Sabbath's "Never Say Die!": A Transitional Album in a Turbulent Time
Album Description:

In 1978, the musical landscape was shifting. Punk and New Wave were challenging the dominance of classic rock, and disco was still a force on the dance floor. Amidst this changing tide, Black Sabbath, the pioneers of heavy metal, released their eighth studio album, "Never Say Die!" It was a transitional record, marking the end of an era for the band and reflecting the internal struggles and external pressures they faced.

Historical Context and Band Dynamics

By 1978, Black Sabbath had already cemented their place in music history. Their early albums like "Black Sabbath," "Paranoid," and "Master of Reality" had defined the heavy metal genre with their dark riffs, occult themes, and Ozzy Osbourne's distinctive vocals. However, the band was not without its challenges. Substance abuse and internal tensions were taking a toll, and their previous album, "Technical Ecstasy," had received mixed reviews.

"Never Say Die!" was recorded in a tense atmosphere. The band members were battling personal demons, and their creative differences were becoming more pronounced. Ozzy Osbourne, in particular, was struggling with addiction and his commitment to the band. This internal turmoil would ultimately lead to his departure after the album's release.

Musical Exploration and Genre Evolution

"Never Say Die!" is a fascinating album that showcases Black Sabbath's willingness to experiment while staying true to their heavy metal roots. The album opens with the title track, a hard-rocking anthem with a catchy chorus that became a minor hit. Other songs like "Johnny Blade" and "Hard Road" feature the band's signature heavy riffs and dark lyrics.

However, the album also includes forays into different musical territories. "A National Acrobat" incorporates jazz elements, while "Air Dance" features a prominent horn section. "Breakout" is an instrumental track with a jazzy feel, and "Swinging the Chain" features drummer Bill Ward on lead vocals. These musical explorations demonstrate the band's versatility and willingness to push boundaries, even as they faced internal strife.

Production Team and Critical Reception

"Never Say Die!" was produced by Black Sabbath themselves, with additional engineering by Dave Harris. The album's production is polished and professional, capturing the energy of the band's live performances while highlighting their musical experimentation.

Upon its release, "Never Say Die!" received mixed reviews. Some critics praised the album's diversity and musicality, while others found it uneven and lacking the focus of the band's earlier work. The album's commercial performance was also relatively modest compared to their previous releases.

Music Genre:

Heavy Metal Hard Rock  

Album Production Information:

Produced by Black Sabbath Essex Music

Record Label & Catalognr:

Vertigo 9124 101

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP Record 135 grams vinyl

Year & Country:

1978 Made in Germany
Complete Track Listing of: Black Sabbath Never Say Die

The Song/tracks on "Black Sabbath Never Say Die " are

    Side One:
  • Never Say Die
  • Johnny Blade
  • Juniors Eyes
  • Hard Road
    Side Two:
  • Shock Wave
  • Air Dance
  • Over to YOu
  • Break Out
  • Swinging the Chain
Album cover photos of : Black Sabbath Never Say Die

High Resolution Photo black sabbath never say die (1978, germany) Vinyl Record

 

High Resolution Photo black sabbath never say die (1978, germany) Vinyl Record

 

High Resolution Photo black sabbath never say die (1978, germany) Vinyl Record

 

Note: the above pictures are actual photos of the album and allow you to judge the quality of cover. 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 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

"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,

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 Netherlands
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 Netherlands
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