# Black Sabbath

> 1970 self-titled debut studio album by Black Sabbath

**Wikidata**: [Q328482](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328482)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Sabbath_(album))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/black-sabbath-q328482

## Summary
*Black Sabbath* is the self-titled debut studio album by the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released on February 13, 1970, by Vertigo Records. It is widely regarded as one of the most influential albums in the history of heavy metal, pioneering the genre with its dark, doom-laden sound and experimental approach.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: February 13, 1970
- **Label**: Vertigo Records (a British record label founded in 1969, owned by Universal Music Group)
- **Genre**: Heavy metal, hard rock, blues rock
- **Notable Tracks**: Includes iconic songs such as "Black Sabbath," "The Wizard," and "War Pigs"
- **Influence**: Often cited as a foundational work in heavy metal, shaping the sound of subsequent bands
- **Wikidata Description**: 1970 self-titled debut studio album by Black Sabbath
- **Sitelink Count**: 40 (indicating widespread online references)

## FAQs
- **What is *Black Sabbath* (the album)?** It is the debut studio album by the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in 1970 and widely credited with defining the heavy metal genre.
- **Who released *Black Sabbath*?** The album was released by Vertigo Records, a British label associated with Universal Music Group.
- **What genres does *Black Sabbath* represent?** The album blends heavy metal, hard rock, and blues rock, pioneering experimental and doom-laden sounds.
- **Which songs are on *Black Sabbath*?** The album includes tracks like "Black Sabbath," "The Wizard," and "War Pigs," which became anthems of the genre.
- **Why is *Black Sabbath* significant?** It is considered one of the most influential debut albums in music history, shaping the development of heavy metal and rock.

## Why It Matters
*Black Sabbath* revolutionized heavy metal with its dark, atmospheric sound and unconventional songwriting. Released in 1970, the album introduced elements like doom metal, blues-infused riffs, and experimental structures that influenced countless bands. Its impact on the genre cannot be overstated, as it laid the groundwork for the heavy metal explosion of the 1970s and beyond. The album’s success with Vertigo Records also helped establish the label as a key player in the emerging heavy metal scene.

## Notable For
- **Genre Definition**: Pioneered heavy metal with its dark, doom-laden sound and experimental approach.
- **Iconic Tracks**: Features legendary songs like "War Pigs" and "The Wizard," which remain staples of heavy metal.
- **Influence on Music**: Shaped the sound of subsequent heavy metal and rock bands, including Metallica and Thin Lizzy.
- **Label Association**: Released on Vertigo Records, which became synonymous with heavy metal and rock music.
- **Cultural Impact**: Often cited as one of the most influential debut albums in music history.

## Body
### History
*Black Sabbath* was released on February 13, 1970, by Vertigo Records, a British label founded in 1969 and owned by Universal Music Group. The album was recorded in early 1970 and marked the debut of the band, which consisted of Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums). The album’s experimental sound and dark themes set it apart from contemporary rock music, paving the way for heavy metal.

### Genre and Influence
The album blends heavy metal, hard rock, and blues rock, featuring unconventional song structures, slow tempos, and doom-laden atmospheres. Tracks like "Black Sabbath" and "The Wizard" introduced elements that would define the genre, while "War Pigs" became one of the most famous songs in heavy metal history. The album’s success helped establish Vertigo Records as a major player in the emerging heavy metal scene.

### Tracks and Legacy
Key tracks on *Black Sabbath* include:
- **"Black Sabbath"**: The title track, known for its slow, doom-laden riff and Osbourne’s haunting vocals.
- **"The Wizard"**: A blues-rock-influenced song with a distinctive guitar tone.
- **"War Pigs"**: A fast-paced, aggressive track that became an anthem of the genre.

The album’s influence extends beyond heavy metal, with elements of its sound appearing in subsequent genres like doom metal and stoner rock. Its legacy is cemented by its status as a foundational work in rock music, often compared to *The Dark Side of the Moon* in its impact on the genre.

### Label and Distribution
Vertigo Records played a crucial role in the album’s release, contributing to its success and helping to define the heavy metal sound. The label’s association with Universal Music Group provided global distribution, ensuring the album’s reach beyond the UK. This partnership helped Vertigo Records become synonymous with heavy metal and rock music, releasing albums by other influential bands like Metallica and Thin Lizzy.

### Cultural Impact
*Black Sabbath* is widely regarded as one of the most influential debut albums in music history. Its experimental approach and dark themes influenced countless bands, shaping the sound of heavy metal for decades. The album’s success also helped establish Vertigo Records as a key player in the music industry, contributing to the evolution of rock and heavy metal genres.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.black-sabbath.com/2014/09/a-new-sabbath-album-in-2015-well/)
2. [Source](http://www.discogs.com/Black-Sabbath-Black-Sabbath/master/723)
3. [Source](https://www.rocktv.es/origen-y-significado-de-black-sabbath/#Cronologia-y-discografia-de-black-sabbath)
4. MusicBrainz
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Spotify
7. Apple Music
8. Deezer
9. Tidal
10. Album of the Year
11. Rate Your Music