BLACK SABBATH - Paranoid - UK 1st Pressing Vertigo Full Swirl 12" Vinyl LP Album

Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" is considered one of the most iconic albums in rock history, and this UK 1st pressing Vertigo full swirl 12" vinyl LP is a sought-after collector's item.This page describes all the details of this album Paranoid.

High Resolution Photo black sabbath paranoid gt britain

On this page you will find a detailed description of the album BLACK SABBATH - Paranoid UK 1st Pressing Vertigo Full Swirl with large photos of the album cover ( front and back ) , inner sleeves , record labels and vinyl records.

Album Description:

The UK 1st pressing Vertigo full swirl 12" vinyl LP of "Paranoid" is easily recognizable by a few key features. Firstly, on Side A of the record, you will find the full swirl logo, which is a distinctive and iconic symbol of the Vertigo label. This logo, with its psychedelic green and white swirl design, is highly sought-after among collectors.

Another notable feature of this pressing is the gatefold cover. When you open the album, the cover unfolds to reveal additional artwork and information. This adds to the overall aesthetic appeal and collectibility of the LP.

Inside the gatefold cover, you will find the text "WARNING - copyright subsists in all recordings ..." This statement is a testament to the legal protection of the music contained within and serves as a reminder to respect the rights of the artists.

Included with this pressing is a custom inner sleeve that features the Swirl logo printed on it. This detail further enhances the uniqueness and desirability of the album.

"Paranoid" was produced by Rodger Bain for Tony Hall Enterprise and was recorded at Regent Sound and Island Studios. The engineering was handled by Tony Allom and Brian Humphries, and the album was managed by Jim Simpson of Big Bear, Birmingham. The cover design was created by Keef, who contributed to the album's overall visual appeal.

Released in 1970, this UK 1st pressing Vertigo full swirl 12" vinyl LP holds historical significance within the world of rock music. Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" is widely regarded as a pioneering heavy metal album that laid the foundation for the genre. Its dark and heavy sound, coupled with the band's distinctive style and lyrics, captivated audiences and influenced countless musicians.

The value of this collector's item can be substantial, particularly if the record is in excellent condition. Factors such as the overall quality of the vinyl, the condition of the cover and inner sleeve, and the rarity of the pressing can impact its worth. Collectors and fans alike are willing to pay a premium for such a unique piece of music history.

"Paranoid" The Song Description:

Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" achieved success through a confluence of factors, some planned, some entirely unexpected:

Catchy Simplicity: Though written as a last-minute filler track, "Paranoid" defied expectations. Its short runtime (under 3 minutes), simple power chord structure, and memorable riff made it instantly accessible compared to Sabbath's lengthier, more complex tracks.

Radio Friendliness: While Black Sabbath wasn't aiming for radio play, "Paranoid's" shorter format and catchy melody caught the attention of DJs. This unexpected radio exposure broadened the band's audience beyond their initial heavy metal fanbase.

A Different Kind of Audience: The success of "Paranoid" as a single brought a new wave of fans to Black Sabbath's live shows. These audiences, not necessarily familiar with the band's heavier sound, were drawn to the song's energy and might have been surprised by the band's overall style.

Impactful Album Art: The now-iconic "Paranoid" album cover, featuring a distorted figure wielding a sword against a winged creature, perfectly captured the album's dark and ominous mood. This imagery became synonymous with heavy metal itself and undoubtedly contributed to the album's success.

An Unforeseen Advantage: Interestingly, the fact that "Paranoid" was written quickly and almost as an afterthought became part of its legend. The effortless creation of such a powerful song added to the band's mystique.

In conclusion, "Paranoid" became a success due to a combination of its catchy, radio-friendly structure, unexpected exposure, and the iconic album art. It served as a gateway for new audiences to discover Black Sabbath, solidifying their place as pioneers of heavy metal.

Collector's information:

The genuine 1st UK pressing of Black Sabbath's Paranoid, can be recognized by:

Side A of the record has full Swirl logo
Inside of the cover has the text "WARNING - copyright subsists in all recordings ..."
Gatefold cover
Custom inner sleeve has Swirl logo printed

Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" is widely considered one of the most influential heavy metal albums of all time, and the UK 1st pressing Vertigo full swirl 12" vinyl LP album is a highly sought-after collectible among fans and collectors.

The value of this particular pressing can vary depending on factors such as the condition of the record and the rarity of the pressing. However, in general, a copy in excellent condition can fetch several hundred dollars.

What makes this pressing so valuable is its rarity and historical significance. The full swirl label design, which features a trippy, swirling pattern in green and white, was only used for a short period in 1970 and is highly sought-after by collectors. Additionally, the UK pressing is considered by many to be the superior version of the album, with a more raw and powerful sound compared to the US pressing.

Overall, the value of this particular pressing of "Paranoid" speaks to the enduring legacy and influence of Black Sabbath, as well as the enduring appeal of vinyl records as a tangible and collectible form of music.

Music Genre:

Acid Psych Rock Heavy Metal Music

Album Production: 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

Recorded at Regent Sound and Island Studios,

Engineers Tony Allom and Brian Humphries,

Tom Allom is a legendary British music producer and sound engineer born in London in 1946. Renowned for shaping the sound of heavy metal, he worked with bands like Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, and Def Leppard. His innovative style defined an era of rock. Read more

Management Jim Simpson, Big BEar, Birmingham,

Cover design by Keef

Record Label & Catalognr:

Vertigo 6360 011 (6360011)

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP Record 160 grams vinyl

Year & Country:

1970 Made in England

Band Members and Musicians on: Black Sabbath Paranoid

Ozzy Osbourne - Lead Vocals
Ozzy Osbourne – Vocals
The voice that made doom feel catchy, like a nightmare you accidentally learn the chorus to. Read more...

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. Read more...
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
Terry "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. Read more...
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. Read more...
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 Paranoid

War Pigs
Paranoid
Planet Caravan
Iron Man

Electric Funeral
Hand of Doom
Rat Salad
Fairies Wear Boots

Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Black Sabbath Paranoid

Photo of Front Cover

Photo of Album's Back Cover

Photo of original company inner sleeve with the swirl

Photo of Record Label

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. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

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

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

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

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

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

Greatest Hits ( "Fried Egg" Label ) 12" Vinyl LP

BLACK SABBATH - Headless Cross

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

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

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

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

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 )

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 )

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

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 )

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 )

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

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 )

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

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