BLACK SABBATH we sold our soul for rock 'n' roll NELD101

The Definitive Heavy Metal Primer: Black Sabbath’s ‘We Sold Our Soul For Rock ’N’ Roll’ (NELD 101)

Today’s entry looks at one of the most essential compilation albums in heavy metal history. We are looking at the 1982 UK pressing of We Sold Our Soul For Rock ‘N’ Roll, released on the NEMS label with the catalog number NELD 101.

Originally released in late 1975, this double LP set served for decades as the bible for introduction to the Ozzy Osbourne era of Black Sabbath. This specific NEMS reissue keeps that legacy alive. Housed in a classic gatefold sleeve (famous for its spooky, coffin-themed photography), it collects the absolute best material from their groundbreaking early albums.

The tracklist is an embarrassment of riches, essentially defining the heavy metal genre. It moves from the chilling, rainy opening of the title track Black Sabbath to the high-energy hits Paranoid and Iron Man. It explores their anti-war epics like War Pigs and heavy grooves like Children Of The Grave and Sweet Leaf. It also includes slightly deeper but essential cuts like Snowblind, Changes, and the bluesy The Wizard.

NELD 101 is a crucial item for any vinyl collection. While die-hard fans eventually collect the individual studio albums, this compilation remains a perfect listening experience, sequencing the band’s most iconic moments into a cohesive, dark, and powerful journey through their golden age.