BLACK SABBATH VOL 4 SUPER DELUXE (VINYL EDITION) REVIEW

Black Sabbath released the group’s fourth album in two years in 1972 with VOL 4. Stacked with classic tracks like ‘Supernaut’, ‘Changes’, and ‘Snowblind’, the record harnessed the group’s surging popularity to reach the Top 10 on the Albums Chart in the U.K. and the Top 20 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S., on its path to being certified platinum by the RIAA. The innovators of heavy metal revisit VOL 4 on a new collection that includes a newly remastered version of the original album along with a trove of 20 unreleased studio and live recordings. VOL 4: SUPER DELUXE EDITION is available as a 4-CD set and a 5-LP set pressed on 180-gram vinyl, Both versions come with extensive booklets featuring liner notes with quotes from the era from all four band members, rare photos, and a poster with previously unpublished early artwork of the album using the working title ‘Snowblind’.

Bolstered by a fresh remastering, VOL 4’s ambitious arrangements and complex grooves have never sounded more inspired and menacing. Originally released in September 1972, the album marked two major changes for the members of Sabbath: Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. While their previous albums – BLACK SABBATH, PARANOID, and MASTER OF REALITY – were produced by Rodger Bain and recorded in England, they instead chose to produce VOL 4 themselves and record it at the Record Plant in Los Angeles. The generous addition of bonus material on VOL 4: SUPER DELUXE EDITION begins with six previously unreleased studio outtakes from the original sessions for the album. Each one has been newly mixed by Steven Wilson using the analogue multi-tracks. Highlights include outtakes for ‘Supernaut’ and ‘Changes’, as well an instrumental version of ‘Under The Sun’. The set also features 11 additional studio recordings (also newly mixed by Wilson from the analogue multi-tracks) that spotlight alternative takes, false starts and snippets of studio dialogue. These tracks transport listeners into the studio with the band and offer some insight into the making of the album. Along with several alternative takes for ‘Wheels Of Confusion’, these recordings also include outtakes for ‘The Straightener’ and ‘Snowblind’.

The collection concludes with a searing collection of live performances that re-create a typical setlist from Black Sabbath’s tour for Vol 4. Recorded in March 1973 at various stops along the band’s U.K. tour. The recordings were originally slated for a live album that was ultimately shelved. Although some of these performances have been previously available in various states, the release marks the first time that a full 1973 live Sabbath show has been recreated. The live audio has been newly mixed by Richard Digby Smith using the original 16-track analogue tapes to achieve a level of fidelity not heard on any previous incarnations. Included here are thrilling live versions of Vol 4 tracks (’Tomorrow’s Dream’ and ‘Cornucopia’) and fan favourites (’Paranoid’ and ‘War Pigs’).

The more cynical amongst us will say (and do) that box sets like this are just another way of re-awakening previous releases for diehard fans to spend hard-earned cash to acquire. And in some cases the cynics would be right, but not in this instance. Sure, there’s the remastered original release, in this instance on 180grm vinyl, but there’s also much, much more and importantly material that has never been released before.

Presentation & Quality

When I originally received the package I was struck by how heavy it was. Protected by an outer tailored, thick carton it weighed a ton! The inner carton was was also substantial and protected by polythene. Inside the poster was good enough to frame while the the LP-sized hard cover book was beautifully realised with great live shots, images of posters, many record covers and background copy. So far, so faultless and I began to realise where the money went…Then it was the turn of the vinyl LPs to impress. All sets came with substantial outer jackets while the actual 180 gram records came with high quality anti-static sleeves.

Sound

The first records I played were the live recordings which were originally slated for release back in 1973 but the release never materialised. On listening to them I can only conclude that it was an opportunity missed! Live performance recordings are notoriously difficult to record so I was blown away by these recordings. The drum and guitar solos are magical, the odd spoken words add to the live ambience while the selection of classic tracks is perfect (’War Pigs’ is a standout). I always try to witness live performances after reviewing records, to confirm an act’s quality. These live recordings confirm the band’s superb live performance ability in no uncertain way, but also underline individual musicianship and the band’s strong song-writing capability. In short, these recordings showcase the band’s quality and unique heavy rock signature. I also reckon that this package is worth investing in for the live performances alone!

Alternative Takes, False Starts & Studio Dialogue

Brave to include but a masterstroke! ‘Wheels Of Confusion’ alternative take is mind-blowing and especially for Ward’s drum work. The instrumental outtake of ‘The Straightener’ offers another glimpse of the band and some brilliant Iommi guitar passages while the studio chatter and odd spoken intros are magical. The sound quality of these recordings is surprisingly good but one is able to discern exactly what they are.

Original LP Version Remastered & New Mixes

I don’t possess the original recording release to compare with this 2021 remaster so comparisons are impossible. However, the analogue recordings as presented here are as good as anything I’ve heard including remasters from other bands such as Pink Floyd. Clarity and instrumental separation are of the highest quality while the vocals are loud and very clear.

Conclusion

This particular vinyl deluxe edition is expensive but in pure value terms it offers huge bang-for-buck, and is an essential investment for fans and audiophiles. The records sit straight and hard on my deck and play with no extraneous noises (and I don’t possess the highest quality deck/cartridge). There’s so much to enjoy here and if you’re not a fan but love heavy rock this may be for you.

5/5