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The 1983 album Black Sabbath never wanted to release: “We weren’t happy”
Black Sabbath’s 1983 album *Born Again* was released despite the band’s dissatisfaction with its sound, particularly its production and notoriously criticised cover artwork. The record matters as a turbulent but distinctive chapter in the band’s history, marking former Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan’s only studio album with the group.
The album followed the departure of vocalist Ronnie James Dio and drummer Vinny Appice, with Gillan joining guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward; Ward later left during recording and was replaced by Bev Bevan. Although *Born Again* reached number four in the UK albums chart and produced material the band performed live, Gillan and Iommi later expressed frustration over the rushed recording process and the final mix.
In short
- *Born Again* was Black Sabbath’s troubled 1983 album with Ian Gillan.
- The band disliked its production and cover artwork.
- Despite this, it reached number four in the UK.
Explained simply
Black Sabbath are a British heavy metal band formed in Birmingham, known for their heavy sound and dark themes. Guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler were among the group’s founding members, while singers and drummers changed over the years.
In 1982, singer Ronnie James Dio and drummer Vinny Appice left. Ian Gillan, formerly the singer with Deep Purple, joined Iommi, Butler and drummer Bill Ward to make Born Again; Ward left during recording and Bev Bevan took his place. It was Gillan’s only studio album with Black Sabbath.
The album reached number four in the UK chart, and the band played some of its songs live. Its place in the group’s history also reflects a difficult recording period, with Gillan and Iommi later criticising the rushed process and the finished sound.