“Black Sabbath”: Unleashed on Friday the 13th February, 1970

We look back and revisit the historical Black Sabbath debut “Black Sabbath” released on this day in 1970

“Black Sabbath”: Unleashed on Friday the 13th, 1970

What could be more fitting for Black Sabbath to release their self-titled debut album on Friday the 13th in 1970? This legendary record is widely regarded as the album that established Heavy Metal as a genre. While Blue Cheer’s 1968 Vincebus Eruptum may be considered the birth of Metal, Black Sabbath represents its coming of age.
Every defining element of Heavy Metal is present on the album, from its ominous musical tone to its striking cover art. The artwork features a sinister figure in black—echoing the album’s chilling opening lyrics, “What is this that stands before me? Figure in black…”—alongside an inverted Christian cross, a bold statement of rebellion.
At a time when many bands were clinging to the Psychedelic Rock of the 1960s, Black Sabbath forged a new path. Yet, traces of the psychedelic era remain, infused into their heavier sound. The album’s opening storm effects resemble the start of a horror film, leading seamlessly into Tony Iommi’s slow, crushing guitar riff, reinforced by Bill Ward’s pounding drums and Geezer Butler’s brooding bassline. Then comes Ozzy Osbourne’s eerie, haunting vocals—immediately setting the tone for the album’s masterpiece: Black Sabbath. This song remains one of the greatest Metal tracks ever recorded, timeless and full of an almost supernatural energy.
Other standout tracks include The Wizard, which blends heavy riffs with a bluesy harmonica, recalling late ’60s Rock influences. Behind the Wall of Sleep introduces what would later become Black Sabbath’s signature sound. N.I.B., with its iconic bass solo by Geezer Butler, evolves into one of Rock’s most famous guitar riffs. Lyrically, it plays with the occult themes that became a staple of the band’s image, telling the story of Lucifer falling in love with a human. The song’s chorus shifts into an almost Psychedelic Folk melody, creating a unique contrast, like Lucifer’s own lament.
Evil Woman, a cover of Crow’s song, was released as a single but omitted from the U.S. version of the album. Despite being a cover, Black Sabbath’s version is so seamless it feels like an original composition. Sleeping Village, highly influential in the later development of Stoner Rock and Grunge, begins softly, with Ozzy’s quiet vocals, before erupting into a heavy, slow jam of guitars, bass, and drums. The album closes with Warning, originally recorded by Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation in 1967. Sabbath’s rendition features an extended instrumental section, including a mesmerizing guitar solo by Iommi, showcasing the band’s musicianship.
The American release of Black Sabbath featured a different tracklist. The most significant changes included:
Evil Woman being replaced by Wicked World, a song that has been rumored (but repeatedly denied by the band) to resemble The Doors’ Wild Child.
The “medleys” Wasp/Behind the Wall of Sleep/Bassically/N.I.B. and A Bit of Finger/Sleeping Village/Warning were simply alternative track listings for Behind the Wall of Sleep/N.I.B. and Sleeping Village/Warning respectively.
Black Sabbath is a groundbreaking album with immense historical significance—not just for Heavy Metal but for Rock music as a whole. Few bands have managed to create such a distinct sound right from the start. Black Sabbath quickly followed their debut with another landmark record, Paranoid (1970), and then Master of Reality (1971). That same year, they were set to open for The Doors on a European tour—an event that never materialized due to Jim Morrison’s death. One can only imagine the legendary concerts and musical exchange that could have taken place between these two iconic bands.

Side A
1 “Black Sabbath”
2 “The Wizard”
3 “Behind the Wall of Sleep”
4 “N.I.B.”

Side B
5 “Evil Woman” (Crow cover) Larry Weigand Dick Weigand David Wagner
6 “Sleeping Village”
7 “Warning” (The Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation cover) Aynsley Dunbar Alex Dmochowski Victor Hickling John Moorshead

North American Release:
Side A
1 “Black Sabbath”
2 “The Wizard”
3 “Wasp / Behind the Wall of Sleep / Bassically / N.I.B.”

Side B
4 “Wicked World”
5 “A Bit of Finger / Sleeping Village / Warning” Iommi Butler Ward Osbourne / Dunbar Dmochowski Hickling Moorshead

All songs credited to Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward and Ozzy Osbourne, except where noted.

Personnel
Ozzy Osbourne: vocals, harmonica on “The Wizard”
Tony Iommi: guitar
Geezer Butler: bass
Bill Ward: drums
Rodger Bain: Jew’s harp on “Sleeping Village”

Produced by:Rodger Bain
Recorded during: 16 October 1969 at Studio Regent Sound Studios, London, England
Released: February 13, 1970
Label: Vertigo / Warner

Singles:
“Evil Woman / Wicked World” Released: 9 January 1970

Strongest tracks:
All

Watch the 1970 music video for “Black Sabbath” by Black Sabbath

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