BLACK SABBATH - Vol 4 Vertigo Full Swirl Label 12" Vinyl LP Album

"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 Black Sabbath had recorded a studio album outside the United Kingdom

High Resolution Photo BLACK SABBATH - Vol 4 (1972, UK)

On this page you will find a detailed description of the album BLACK SABBATH - Vol 4 Vertigo Full Swirl Label with large photos of the album cover ( front and back ) , inner sleeves , record labels.

Black Sabbath VOL 4 Vertigo Full Swirl Label 1st 12" vinyl LP

Description / Collectors information: 

The UK FIRST PRESSING matrices are 1Y // 1 and 2Y // 1, with the famous PORKY and PECKO hand etchings in the run off grooves.

Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos and 12" booklet on the insde pagess
 

*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.

"Black Sabbath" is a heavy metal band that formed in Birmingham, England, in 1968. The band is widely considered to be one of the pioneers of heavy metal music, and their influence on the genre cannot be overstated. Black Sabbath's fourth studio album, titled Black Sabbath Vol. 4, was released in 1972 and was a critical and commercial success. The album features some of the band's most well-known tracks and is regarded as a landmark album in the development of heavy metal music.

"Black Sabbath Vol. 4" showcases the band's signature blend of heavy, distorted guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and ominous lyrics. The album's sound is often described as a mix of blues, hard rock, and heavy metal, and its influence on the latter genre cannot be overstated. The album's use of guitar riffs, powerful drumming, and dark, menacing lyrics set the standard for the heavy metal sound that would dominate the genre for decades to come.

One of the key influences on Black Sabbath's sound was the blues. The band's guitarist, Tony Iommi, was heavily influenced by blues guitarists like B.B. King and Albert King, and this influence can be heard in many of the band's songs. Black Sabbath also drew inspiration from horror movies, which is evident in the album's lyrics and themes. The band's music was often associated with the occult, and many of their songs dealt with themes of death, destruction, and the supernatural.

"Black Sabbath Vol. 4" was a critical and commercial success upon its release in 1972. The album reached number 12 on the UK Albums Chart and number 13 on the US Billboard 200. The album's success was due in part to the band's growing popularity and the fact that it showcased some of their best work to date.

Critics praised the album's sound and style, with many noting the band's growing sophistication and willingness to experiment with new sounds and techniques. Some critics also noted the album's darker themes and lyrics, which added to its overall impact and influence.

"Black Sabbath Vol. 4" is widely regarded as one of the band's best albums and a landmark release in the history of heavy metal music. The album's influence can be heard in countless heavy metal bands that followed, and many of the songs on the album remain staples of the genre to this day.

 

Music Genre:

English Heavy Metal

Album Production information:

 

The album: "BLACK SABBATH - Vol 4 (France)" was produced by: Black Sabbath and Patrick Meehan

Patrick Meehan, born on 8 February 1935, was an influential figure in the world of music management, best known for his role as the manager of the legendary heavy metal band Black Sabbath during their early years. Meehan's tenure with the band played a significant role in shaping their success and establishing them as one of the most iconic rock acts of all time.

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Born and raised in Birmingham, England, Meehan grew up with a deep love and passion for music. He had an innate understanding of the industry and recognized the potential of emerging talent. Meehan's journey into the music business began when he started working for various record companies and artist management firms, gaining valuable experience and knowledge along the way.

In the late 1960s, Meehan's path crossed with four young musicians from Birmingham who had formed a band called Black Sabbath. Recognizing their raw talent and unique sound, Meehan saw an opportunity to take their music to the masses and signed on as their manager in 1969. It was a decision that would forever change the trajectory of both Meehan's and Black Sabbath's careers.

Under Meehan's guidance, Black Sabbath released their eponymous debut album in 1970, which introduced the world to their dark and heavy sound. The album was a critical and commercial success, establishing Black Sabbath as pioneers of the emerging heavy metal genre. Meehan's strategic approach to marketing and promotion helped propel the band to international fame.

Meehan's managerial style was characterized by his astute business acumen, strong negotiation skills, and dedication to his artists. He played a crucial role in securing record deals, managing tours, and expanding the band's global reach. During his tenure, Black Sabbath released several iconic albums, including "Paranoid" (1970), "Master of Reality" (1971), and "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" (1973). These albums solidified their status as one of the most influential and successful rock bands of the era.

However, as Black Sabbath's popularity soared, tensions began to rise between Meehan and the band members. Disagreements over financial matters and creative control eventually led to a falling out, and Meehan's association with Black Sabbath came to an end in 1975. The split marked the end of an era for both parties and marked a significant transition for the band.

After parting ways with Black Sabbath, Meehan continued to work in the music industry, managing various artists and pursuing other business ventures. Although his time with Black Sabbath was marred by disputes, Meehan's contributions to their early success cannot be overlooked. His managerial skills and ability to recognize talent played a pivotal role in shaping the band's legacy.

Patrick Meehan passed away on 28 July 2002, leaving behind a lasting impact on the music industry. His role as the manager of Black Sabbath during their formative years remains an essential chapter in the band's history, helping establish them as one of the most influential rock acts of all time.

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Colin Caldwell, Vic Coppersmith-Heaven

This album was recorded at: Record Plant, Los Angeles

Album cover design: Bloomsbury Group

Album cover photography: Keith McMillian

Record Label & Catalognr:

Vertigo 6360 071 Full Swirl

Media Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Full-Length Long-Play  Gramophone Record
Album weight: 310 gram  

Year & Country:

1972 Made in UK
Band Members and Musicians on: Black Sabbath VOL 4 Vertigo Full Swirl Label
Track Listing of: "Black Sabbath VOL 4"

The Songs/tracks on "Black Sabbath VOL 4" are

Album cover photos of : Black Sabbath VOL 4 Vertigo Full Swirl Label
High Resolution Photo BLACK SABBATH - Vol 4 (1972, UK)  
Photo of "Black Sabbath VOL 4" Album's Back Cover  
High Resolution Photo BLACK SABBATH - Vol 4 (1972, UK)  
Photo of "Black Sabbath VOL 4" Album's Inner Cover  

High Resolution Photo BLACK SABBATH - Vol 4 (1972, UK)

High Resolution Photo BLACK SABBATH - Vol 4 (1972, UK)  

Photo of "Black Sabbath VOL 4" 12" LP Record
High Resolution Photo BLACK SABBATH - Vol 4 (1972, UK)  
Close-up Photo of "Black Sabbath VOL 4" Record Label 
High Resolution Photo BLACK SABBATH - Vol 4 (1972, UK)  

 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 ).

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

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

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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

"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

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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

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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.

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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,

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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

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

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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".

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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

"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."

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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
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

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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.

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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 , 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

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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,

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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

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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"

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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.

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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.

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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'

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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