By 1972, Black Sabbath had already released three all time classic albums. Some of the most legendary work in all of rock. Turning out tracks such as ‘Black Sabbath,’ ‘Iron Man’ and ‘Sweet Leaf.’ Money started to amass and Black Sabbath were riding high. Literally. Which is what lead to the change in musical atmosphere for their fourth album ‘Vol. 4.’
After the first three albums: ‘Black Sabbath,’ ‘Paranoid’ and ‘Master of Reality, Sabbath had ascertained a reputation for being satanists. Beginning what would be known in popular culture as ‘Satanic Panic.’ Resulting in the band taking a slightly less dark angle with their fourth album. Aptly titled ‘Vol. 4.’ Opening with ‘Wheels of Confusion/The Straightener,’ you can hear the booze and weed fueled studio coming to life. Not as much a focus on dark imagery. As it is simply a booze and drug fueled good time. ‘Tomorrow’s Dream’ continues in this vain. Churning out riff after riff. But the real change came in the form of a ballad. Released as a single, ‘Changes,’ surprised critics and fans alike.
The interlude ‘FX’ leads into the knarly ‘Supernaut.’ A killer, blues based metal riff that grooves with the best of them. ‘Snowblind’ follows. And we all know what that one’s about. ‘Cornucopia’ opens with a devastatingly heavy guitar melody. Before shifting into a syncopated hard rock shuffle. ‘Laguna Sunrise’ continues Sabbath’s newfound ‘lighter’ side. ‘St. Vitus’ Dance’ is an interesting combination of light and dark. While ‘Under The Sun’ closes the album out in typical low and slow Black Sabbath fashion.
Released on Sept 25th, 1972, ‘Vol. 4’ was yet another success notch on Sabbath’s belt. Resulting in millions of sales and a massive tour to boot. Which lead to more money. Which allowed the band to buy more drugs. Which would eventually tear the original line up apart. A story all too familiar in the music industry. But for the time being it was hog heaven. Which would also manifest in more excellent material such as ‘Sabotage’ and the underrated ‘Technical Ecstasy.’ So crank it, love it, live it and give it up for Black Sabbath’s ‘Vol. 4.’ One of the great heavy albums ever done.
