Black Sabbath - Vol. 4

Vertigo Records

September 25th, 1972.

Black Sabbath's succinctly named fourth studio album 'Vol. 4' celebrates it's 50 year anniversary. A heavy metal classic and understated member of the early Sabbath catalogue, Vol. 4 tends to go under the radar in terms of its quality. Somewhat overshadowed by previous projects, Vol. 4 is as much of an underdog as any.

Deep in the grips of cocaine and all of it's seductive pseudo-glory, Sabbath set out to continue their immaculate run of era-defining output. Being the first Sabbath record to not be produced by Rodger Bain, production-wise it packs a thinner punch. A tinny tincture laces the record. Blizzards of the minds eye, icicles on hi-hats, and thick layers of impenetrable ice make Vol. 4 a cold affair. 'Changes' shows the softer and somewhat warmer side of the band before diving right back into the storm with FX's distant experiments and the one-two of Supernaut and Snowblind.

From sweet leaf to white lines, the substance of choice shifted mindsets and with it slight leanings in style. Setting off in slow fashion Wheels of Confusion opens the door to a world of remorse and sorrow - picking up the pace as it reaches its destination. Sped up and somewhat choppy, Vol.4 has roots in what would become known as 'Thrash Metal'. The bands sixth studio album, 'Sabotage', three years later in 1975 would further head down this avenue in a more aggressive manner - a guide on the way to future explorations, Sabbath plant deep seeds in the world of music. Master of Reality slowed the grooves down to a crushing depth. Vol. 4 heads in a similar direction, leaving room for moments of thrashing speed and frosty delight. Under the influence? Indeed. What goes into your body ultimately effects what comes out.

Has there been a more influential band with regards to one genre, and subsequent off-shoots, in the history of contemporary music?