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Born Again

by Black Sabbath

Released: September 12, 1983

Heavy metal

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

This album marks the only appearance from vocalist Ian Gillan, who evidently replaced Ronnie James Dio. "Born Again" is the 11th studio album by English rock band Black Sabbath, which was released in August of 1983. It was produced at Richard Branson's Manor Studio, Oxfordshire.

Inside the Recording

This heavy metal album was written and recorded in a very tight window between Ian Gillan's commitments to Deep Purple.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

It also saw the return of original Black…

It also saw the return of original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward, who left the band in 1980 due to health issues.

The album cover, featuring a disturbing image of…

The album cover, featuring a disturbing image of an infant swathed in purple light, has been controversial up till now.

Musically, "Born Again" incorporated faster tempos and punky…

Musically, "Born Again" incorporated faster tempos and punky energy, a far cry from the lumbering doom of early Black Sabbath.

Tracks like "Zero The Hero" and "Disturbing the…

Tracks like "Zero The Hero" and "Disturbing the Priest" have been notably remembered from the album.

"Trashed" was also released as a single and…

"Trashed" was also released as a single and gained some airplay.

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

Trashed

"Trashed" was also released as a single and gained some airplay.

Disturbing the Priest

Tracks like "Zero The Hero" and "Disturbing the Priest" have been notably remembered from the album.

Zero the Hero

Tracks like "Zero The Hero" and "Disturbing the Priest" have been notably remembered from the album.

Born Again

"Born Again" is the 11th studio album by English rock band Black Sabbath, which was released in August of 1983.

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Explore the Album

Black Sabbath - Born Again

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Reception

Despite the controversies and mixed reviews from critics, the album achieved commercial success, reaching number four on the UK charts and number 39 on the U.S. charts.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Born Again" is the 11th studio album by English rock band Black Sabbath, which was released in August of 1983. This album marks the only appearance from vocalist Ian Gillan, who evidently replaced Ronnie James Dio. It also saw the return of original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward, who left the band in 1980 due to health issues.

This heavy metal album was written and recorded in a very tight window between Ian Gillan's commitments to Deep Purple. It was produced at Richard Branson's Manor Studio, Oxfordshire. The album cover, featuring a disturbing image of an infant swathed in purple light, has been controversial up till now. Despite the controversies and mixed reviews from critics, the album achieved commercial success, reaching number four on the UK charts and number 39 on the U.S. charts.

Musically, "Born Again" incorporated faster tempos and punky energy, a far cry from the lumbering doom of early Black Sabbath. Tracks like "Zero The Hero" and "Disturbing the Priest" have been notably remembered from the album. "Trashed" was also released as a single and gained some airplay. Nonetheless, this formation of Black Sabbath wouldn't last, and Ian Gillan would depart after this album, making it a unique chapter in the band's history.