BLACK SABBATH born again VERL8

A Unique Collision of Titans: Black Sabbath’s ‘Born Again’ (VERL 8)

Today’s entry looks at one of the most debated and fascinating albums in the Black Sabbath canon. We are looking at the original 1983 UK pressing of Born Again, released on the Vertigo label with the catalog number VERL 8.

Released in 1983, this album represents a singular moment in heavy metal history: the union of Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan with the founding members of Black Sabbath (Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward). This “supergroup” lineup produced a sound that was distinct from both the Ozzy and Dio eras—raucous, heavy, and often unsettlingly dark.

The tracklist features some of the band’s most unique compositions. The opener Trashed is a high-speed tale of a drunken race car crash on the studio grounds. Zero The Hero is a heavy, trudging monster of a song with a riff that influenced a generation (and was notably covered by Cannibal Corpse). Disturbing The Priest captures the eerie atmosphere of the recording sessions at The Manor House, while the title track Born Again is a somber, atmospheric ballad.

For collectors, this UK pressing is the standard-bearer. It features the custom picture labels on b-side. Tthe vinyl itself and comes with an inner sleeve containing lyrics and credits. The matrix runouts indicate mastering at The Town House, ensuring the specific sonic character of the original release is preserved.

The album is also infamous for its cover art—a garish, distorted image of a baby—which has become iconic in its own right. VERL 8 is an essential piece of vinyl for those interested in the strange, heavy, and unique intersection of two of Britain’s biggest rock bands.