# Paranoid

> 1970 studio album by Black Sabbath

**Wikidata**: [Q271787](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q271787)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranoid_(album))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/paranoid

## Summary
*Paranoid* is a 1970 studio album by Black Sabbath, released on Vertigo Records. It is widely regarded as one of the most influential debut albums in heavy metal music, featuring iconic tracks like "War Pigs" and "Iron Man." The album helped define the genre's dark, doom-laden sound and established Black Sabbath as pioneers of the style.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: *Paranoid* was released on September 18, 1970.
- **Label**: The album was released by Vertigo Records, a British record label founded in 1969.
- **Genre**: *Paranoid* is a heavy metal album, characterized by its slow, riff-driven sound and unconventional musical structures.
- **Notable Tracks**: The album includes songs like "War Pigs," "Iron Man," "Fairies Wear Boots," and "Hand of Doom."
- **Influence**: *Paranoid* is often cited as a foundational work in heavy metal, shaping the genre's sound and aesthetic.
- **Website**: Official discography and information can be found at [http://www.black-sabbath.com/discog/paranoid.html](http://www.black-sabbath.com/discog/paranoid.html).
- **Wikidata Description**: *Paranoid* is described as a 1970 studio album by Black Sabbath.

## FAQs
- **What is *Paranoid*?** *Paranoid* is a 1970 heavy metal album by Black Sabbath, released on Vertigo Records, known for its dark, doom-laden sound and influential tracks like "War Pigs."
- **Who released *Paranoid*?** *Paranoid* was released by Vertigo Records, a British label associated with Universal Music Group.
- **What genre does *Paranoid* belong to?** *Paranoid* is a heavy metal album, characterized by its slow, riff-driven sound and unconventional musical structures.
- **What are the most famous songs on *Paranoid*?** The album includes iconic tracks like "War Pigs," "Iron Man," "Fairies Wear Boots," and "Hand of Doom."
- **Why is *Paranoid* significant in music history?** *Paranoid* is considered a foundational work in heavy metal, helping define the genre's sound and establishing Black Sabbath as pioneers.
- **Where can I find more information about *Paranoid*?** Official discography and details are available at [http://www.black-sabbath.com/discog/paranoid.html](http://www.black-sabbath.com/discog/paranoid.html).

## Why It Matters
*Paranoid* played a pivotal role in the development of heavy metal music. Its slow, riff-driven sound and unconventional musical structures set a new standard for the genre, influencing countless bands that followed. The album's dark, doom-laden atmosphere and iconic tracks like "War Pigs" and "Iron Man" have left a lasting impact on rock and metal music. By releasing *Paranoid* on Vertigo Records, Black Sabbath gained widespread recognition, solidifying their place as pioneers of heavy metal. The album's influence continues to be felt in the music industry, with its sound and themes resonating with new generations of listeners.

## Notable For
- **Foundational Album**: *Paranoid* is often cited as one of the most influential debut albums in heavy metal history.
- **Genre-Defining Sound**: The album's slow, riff-driven sound and unconventional musical structures helped shape the heavy metal genre.
- **Iconic Tracks**: *Paranoid* features legendary songs like "War Pigs," "Iron Man," and "Fairies Wear Boots," which have become anthems in rock and metal.
- **Vertigo Records Release**: The album was released by Vertigo Records, a British label associated with Universal Music Group, providing Black Sabbath with a platform for global success.
- **Pioneering Band**: *Paranoid* helped establish Black Sabbath as pioneers of heavy metal, influencing countless bands and musicians.

## Body
### History
*Paranoid* was released on September 18, 1970, by Vertigo Records, a British label founded in 1969. The album was produced by Rodger Bain and engineered by Tony Iommi, the band's guitarist. It marked Black Sabbath's debut on a major label and is often credited with defining the heavy metal genre.

### Tracks
The album features several iconic tracks, including "War Pigs," "Iron Man," "Fairies Wear Boots," and "Hand of Doom." These songs are known for their slow, riff-driven sound and dark, doom-laden atmosphere. "War Pigs" and "Iron Man" are particularly notable for their heavy, hypnotic riffs and haunting vocals.

### Influence
*Paranoid* has had a profound influence on heavy metal music, with its sound and themes inspiring countless bands and musicians. The album's unconventional musical structures and dark, doom-laden atmosphere set a new standard for the genre. Its success helped establish Black Sabbath as pioneers of heavy metal and paved the way for future bands to explore similar sounds.

### Vertigo Records
Vertigo Records, the label that released *Paranoid*, is a British record label founded in 1969. It has been associated with Universal Music Group since its inception and has released albums by various artists, including Black Sabbath, Status Quo, and Dire Straits. Vertigo Records has played a significant role in the development of heavy metal and rock music, contributing to the evolution of these genres.

### Heavy Metal Genre
*Paranoid* is a heavy metal album, characterized by its slow, riff-driven sound and unconventional musical structures. The album's influence on the heavy metal genre is profound, with its sound and themes shaping the direction of the genre for decades to come. *Paranoid* remains a foundational work in heavy metal, with its impact still felt in the music industry today.

## References

1. MusicBrainz
2. AllMusic
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Tidal
5. Discogs
6. Spotify
7. Apple Music
8. Deezer
9. last.fm
10. Genius
11. Album of the Year
12. Rate Your Music
13. Qobuz