Original OZ LP released in 1972 on the vertigo Swirl Records. Cat: 6360071. Comes in a gatefold sleeve. Matrix numbers are: 2YS 2613 6360 071 1/ 2YS 2614 6360 071 2.
Debatably, Black Sabbath laid the groundwork for various subgenres of metal with individual songs from their early catalog, exploring cosmic psychedelia on one track, symphonic accompaniment on the next, and sludgy, downtuned riffing on the song after that. If the theory that Sabbath forecast a great deal of metal to come, Vol. 4 represents the earliest ancestry of doom metal as one of the band's darkest and most confused early documents. The three albums that came before 1972's Vol. 4 weren't short on dread and doominess, but the band's increasingly heavy mutations of blues-rock were kept from the brink of collapse by relatively streamlined production and aspirations for pop accessibility. By the time of Vol. 4, the band were certified rock stars, indulging in drugs and partying on an accelerated level. These excesses are reflected in the overall murky sound of the album, lyrical themes of a slippery grasp on reality, and weird stylistic curveballs that range from an out-of-nowhere soul breakdown in the middle of "Supernaut" (otherwise one of the most intense songs in the band's catalog) to stoned twiddling with delay effects on "FX" to the beautifully placid instrumental "Laguna Sunrise," consisting of Tony Iommi's classical guitar and full orchestral backing. This was the first album where Iommi and the band acted as producers, and their boundless experimentation went hand in hand with consuming ungodly amounts of cocaine, to the point where they originally wanted the album to share a title with its centerpiece "Snowblind," a plodding and bewildered ode to the drug. The record company ultimately vetoed the idea and the band acquiesced. Paradoxically, the scattered mindset and muddy atmosphere of Vol. 4 became its defining factors and resulted in some of the heaviest material the band would create.
Tracks : Wheels of confusion/ Tomorrow’s dream/ Changes/ FX/ Supernaut/ Snowblind/ Cornucopia/ Laguna sunrise/ St. Vitus dance/ Under the sun.
There are a few light spindle marks and age spots on labels. Record has a few light scuff marks that cause some light crackles in parts most notcieable in the quiet tracks and plays in Excellent condition. Gatefold cover is in lovely condition with only a few light marks and is in Excellent condition.
Wrapping method: All records are sent in stiff cardboard mailers then wrapped in brown paper and sealed around edges with brown packaging tape. Records are taken out of sleeve to avoid seam splits and ring wear.
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